Dustin James' College Football Rankings - Week 1
Pretty self-explanatory stuff right here. All year long, I will be presenting my weekly college football rankings. These rankings will be different from most rankings you will read because I'm not afraid to drop someone completely out of the poll for coming out and disappointing the masses (i.e. South Carolina Game Cocks), and in return, I'm also not afraid to boost someone up to the top of the rankings for impressing me more than I thought they would (i.e. Texas A&M). So without any further adieu, I present to you the very first college football rankings ever at The Ultimate Football Blog!
1. Florida State Seminoles (1-0) - defeated Oklahoma State 37-31
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0) - defeated West Virginia 33-23
3. Oregon Ducks (1-0) - defeated South Dakota 62-13
4. Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) - defeated Louisiana Tech 48-16
5. Georgia Bulldogs (1-0) - defeated Clemson 45-21
6. Auburn Tigers (1-0) - defeated Arkansas 45-21
7. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0) - defeated Navy 34-17
8. Michigan State Spartans (1-0) - defeated Jacksonville State 45-7
9. LSU Tigers (1-0) - defeated Wisconsin 28-24
10. Texas A&M Aggies (1-0) - defeated South Carolina 52-28
11. UCLA Bruins (1-0) - defeated Virginia 28-20
12. Stanford Cardinal (1-0) - defeated UC Davis 45-0
13. USC Trojans (1-0) - defeated Fresno State 52-13
14. Baylor Bears (0-0) - play SMU on August 31
15. Ole Miss Rebels (1-0) - defeated Boise State 35-13
16. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-0) - defeated Rice 48-17
17. Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0) - defeated Florida Atlantic 55-7
18. Missouri Tigers (1-0) - defeated South Dakota State 38-18
19. Michigan Wolverines (1-0) - defeated Appalachian State 52-14
20. Kansas State Wildcats (1-0) - defeated SF Austin 55-16
21. Texas Longhorns (1-0) - defeated North Texas 38-7
22. Arizona State Sun Devils (1-0) - defeated Weber State 45-14
23. North Carolina Tar Heels (1-0) - defeated Liberty 56-29
24. Florida Gators (0-0) - game against Idaho was suspended
25. Washington Huskies (1-0) - defeated Hawaii 17-16
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Dustin James' 2014-15 NFL Fantasy Football Rankings
If you're a smart football fan (that's kind of an oxymoron since "fan" is short for "fanatic" and "fanatics" aren't known for thinking clearly), you waited until this weekend to do your fantasy football draft. I shake my head every year when fantasy football players who have no patience at all start drafting at the beginning of August. They do realize that there are still numerous pre-season games to be played and injuries happen in those games, right? It makes no sense at all to hold your fantasy draft that early, besides the fact that you just have no patience. It pays to be patient and that saying is true in fantasy football. With all that said, I present to you....my fantasy football rankings that are guaranteed (or not) to win your fantasy football league. So without further adieu.....here you are:
Dustin James' Pre-Season 2014-15 NFL Fantasy Football Rankings
Quarterbacks:
1. Peyton Manning - Denver Broncos
2. Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers
3. Drew Brees - New Orleans Saints
4. Andrew Luck - Indianapolis Colts
5. Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions
6. Cam Newton - Carolina Panthers
7. Tom Brady - New England Patriots
8. Matt Ryan - Atlanta Falcons
9. Nick Foles - Philadelphia Eagles
10. Tony Romo - Dallas Cowboys
11. Colin Kaepernick - San Francsico 49ers
12. Robert Griffin III - Washington Redskins
13. Jay Cutler - Chicago Bears
14. Philip Rivers - San Diego Chargers
15. Russell Wilson - Seattle Seahawks
Running Backs:
1. LeSean McCoy - Philadelphia Eagles
2. Jamaal Charles - Kansas City Chiefs
3. Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings
4. Matt Forte - Chicago Bears
5. Eddie Lacy - Green Bay Packers
6. Montee Ball - Denver Broncos
7. DeMarco Murray - Dallas Cowboys
8. Alfred Morris - Washington Redskins
9. Marshawn Lynch - Seattle Seahawks
10. Zac Stacy - St. Louis Rams
11. Doug Martin - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
12. Arian Foster - Houston Texans
13. Giovani Bernard - Cincinnati Bengals
14. Joique Bell - Detroit Lions
15. Andre Ellington - Arizona Cardinals
Wide Receiver:
1. Calvin Johnson - Detroit Lions
2. Demaryius Thomas - Denver Broncos
3. Dez Bryant - Dallas Cowboys
4. A.J. Green - Cincinnati Bengals
5. Julio Jones - Atlanta Falcons
6. Brandon Marshall - Chicago Bears
7. Jordy Nelson - Green Bay Packers
8. Alshon Jeffery - Chicago Bears
9. Antonio Brown - Pittsburgh Steelers
10. Randall Cobb - Green Bay Packers
11. Andre Johnson - Houston Texans
12. Michael Crabtree - San Francisco 49ers
13. Pierre Garcon - Washington Redskins
14. Vincent Jackson - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
15.Keenan Allen - San Diego Chargers
16. Roddy White - Atlanta Falcons
17. Larry Fitzgerald - Arizona Cardinals
18. Victor Cruz - New York Giants
19. Torrey Smith - Balimore Ravens
20. Michael Floyd - Arizona Cardinals
Tight End:
1. Jimmy Graham - New Orleans Saints
2. Rob Gronkowski - New England Patriots
3. Julius Thomas - Denver Broncos
4. Jordan Cameron - Cleveland Browns
5. Vernon Davis - San Francisco 49ers
6. Greg Olsen - Carolina Panthers
7. Jordan Reed - Washington Redskins
8. Zach Ertz - Philadelphia Eagles
9. Dennis Pitta - Baltimore Ravens
10. Kyle Rudolph - Minnesota Vikings
11. Jason Witten - Dallas Cowboys
12. Antonio Gates - San Diego Chargers
13. Coby Fleener - Indianapolis Colts
14. Martellus Bennett - Chicago Bears
15. Charles Clay - Miami Dolphins
Defense:
1. Seattle Seahawks
2. Denver Broncos
3. Carolina Panthers
4. San Francisco 49ers
5. Kansas City Chiefs
6. Cincinnati Bengals
7. St. Louis Rams
8. New England Patriots
9. Houston Texans
10. Baltimore Ravens
Sleepers:
1. Travis Kelce - TE (Kansas City Chiefs)
2. Ladarius Green - TE (San Diego Chargers)
3. Terrance Williams - WR (Dallas Cowboys)
4. Ryan Tannehill - QB (Miami Dolphins)
5. Carlos Hyde - RB (San Francisco 49ers)
6. Khiry Robinson - RB (New Orleans Saints)
7. Markus Wheaton - WR (Pittsburgh Steelers)
8. Tyler Eifert - TE (Cincinnati Bengals)
9. Stevan Ridley - RB (New England Patriots)
10. DeAndre Hopkins - WR (Houston Texans)
Dustin James' Pre-Season 2014-15 NFL Fantasy Football Rankings
Quarterbacks:
1. Peyton Manning - Denver Broncos
2. Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers
3. Drew Brees - New Orleans Saints
4. Andrew Luck - Indianapolis Colts
5. Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions
6. Cam Newton - Carolina Panthers
7. Tom Brady - New England Patriots
8. Matt Ryan - Atlanta Falcons
9. Nick Foles - Philadelphia Eagles
10. Tony Romo - Dallas Cowboys
11. Colin Kaepernick - San Francsico 49ers
12. Robert Griffin III - Washington Redskins
13. Jay Cutler - Chicago Bears
14. Philip Rivers - San Diego Chargers
15. Russell Wilson - Seattle Seahawks
Running Backs:
1. LeSean McCoy - Philadelphia Eagles
2. Jamaal Charles - Kansas City Chiefs
3. Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings
4. Matt Forte - Chicago Bears
5. Eddie Lacy - Green Bay Packers
6. Montee Ball - Denver Broncos
7. DeMarco Murray - Dallas Cowboys
8. Alfred Morris - Washington Redskins
9. Marshawn Lynch - Seattle Seahawks
10. Zac Stacy - St. Louis Rams
11. Doug Martin - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
12. Arian Foster - Houston Texans
13. Giovani Bernard - Cincinnati Bengals
14. Joique Bell - Detroit Lions
15. Andre Ellington - Arizona Cardinals
Wide Receiver:
1. Calvin Johnson - Detroit Lions
2. Demaryius Thomas - Denver Broncos
3. Dez Bryant - Dallas Cowboys
4. A.J. Green - Cincinnati Bengals
5. Julio Jones - Atlanta Falcons
6. Brandon Marshall - Chicago Bears
7. Jordy Nelson - Green Bay Packers
8. Alshon Jeffery - Chicago Bears
9. Antonio Brown - Pittsburgh Steelers
10. Randall Cobb - Green Bay Packers
11. Andre Johnson - Houston Texans
12. Michael Crabtree - San Francisco 49ers
13. Pierre Garcon - Washington Redskins
14. Vincent Jackson - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
15.Keenan Allen - San Diego Chargers
16. Roddy White - Atlanta Falcons
17. Larry Fitzgerald - Arizona Cardinals
18. Victor Cruz - New York Giants
19. Torrey Smith - Balimore Ravens
20. Michael Floyd - Arizona Cardinals
Tight End:
1. Jimmy Graham - New Orleans Saints
2. Rob Gronkowski - New England Patriots
3. Julius Thomas - Denver Broncos
4. Jordan Cameron - Cleveland Browns
5. Vernon Davis - San Francisco 49ers
6. Greg Olsen - Carolina Panthers
7. Jordan Reed - Washington Redskins
8. Zach Ertz - Philadelphia Eagles
9. Dennis Pitta - Baltimore Ravens
10. Kyle Rudolph - Minnesota Vikings
11. Jason Witten - Dallas Cowboys
12. Antonio Gates - San Diego Chargers
13. Coby Fleener - Indianapolis Colts
14. Martellus Bennett - Chicago Bears
15. Charles Clay - Miami Dolphins
Defense:
1. Seattle Seahawks
2. Denver Broncos
3. Carolina Panthers
4. San Francisco 49ers
5. Kansas City Chiefs
6. Cincinnati Bengals
7. St. Louis Rams
8. New England Patriots
9. Houston Texans
10. Baltimore Ravens
Sleepers:
1. Travis Kelce - TE (Kansas City Chiefs)
2. Ladarius Green - TE (San Diego Chargers)
3. Terrance Williams - WR (Dallas Cowboys)
4. Ryan Tannehill - QB (Miami Dolphins)
5. Carlos Hyde - RB (San Francisco 49ers)
6. Khiry Robinson - RB (New Orleans Saints)
7. Markus Wheaton - WR (Pittsburgh Steelers)
8. Tyler Eifert - TE (Cincinnati Bengals)
9. Stevan Ridley - RB (New England Patriots)
10. DeAndre Hopkins - WR (Houston Texans)
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Dustin James Preview's The 2014-15 NFL Season: Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
Head Coach: Jay Gruden (0-0 all-time in Washington)
Last Year's Results: 3-13, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Robert Griffin III (GS)
RB: Alfred Morris (HQ)
FB: Darrel Young (PS)
WR: DeSean Jackson (HQ)
WR: Pierre Garcon (HQ)
TE: Jordan Reed (GS)
C: Kory Lichtensteiger (AS)
RG: Chris Chester (BAS)
LG: Shawn Lauvao (PS)
RT: Tyler Polumbus (BAS)
LT: Trent Williams (HQ)
DEFENSE:
DE: Stephen Bowen (BAS)
DE: Jason Hatcher (HQ)
DT: Barry Cofield (GS)
LOLB: Ryan Kerrigan (GS)
ROLB: Brian Orakpo (HQ)
ILB: Perry Riley (AS)
ILB: Keenan Robinson (PS)
CB: DeAngelo Hall (AS)
CB: David Amerson (BAS)
SS: Brandon Meriweather (PS)
FS: Ryan Clark (GS)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Kai Forbath
P: Robert Malone
Schedule:
vs. @ Houston
vs. Jacksonville
vs. @ Philadelphia
vs. New York Giants
vs. Seattle
vs. @ Arizona
vs. Tennessee
vs. @ Dallas
vs. @ Minnesota
BYE WEEK
vs. Tampa Bay
vs. @ San Francisco
vs. @ Indianapolis
vs. St. Louis
vs. @ New York Giants
vs. Philadelphia
vs. Dallas
Predicted Results: 6-10 (2-4 in division), miss playoffs
Team Analysis: I've seen predictions for this year's Washington Redskins team all over the place. I've seen some people have them at 3-13 with absolutely no confidence in Jay Gruden or Robert Griffin III. I've also seen some people have them rebound with a 9-7 season and potentially sneaking into the playoffs. Personally, I have them somewhere in the middle. I never have much faith in Dan Snyder to make good football decisions and he once again restored my faith in him by bringing the unproven Jay Gruden aboard as head coach to help turn this whole thing around after a disappointing 3-13 season last year. I've seen nothing from Gruden that's convinced me he has what it takes to be a successful NFL head coach and the Redskins hired him in hopes that he could help turn RG III's career around. It might happen, but I wouldn't bet my house on it. What has Gruden done in the NFL thus far that has you convinced he could be a successful coach in this league? Go ahead. I'll wait.
Anyway, if RG III is going to have a good year this year, it's going to start and end with the pieces that surround him. Luckily for him, he's got some good ones to work with. Alfred Morris is one of the best running backs in the NFL that no one talks about. Since entering the league, Morris has averaged over 1,000 rushing yards per year, and even though he saw his numbers dip a little bit last year, I have a feeling that he's in for a big year. Joining Morris and RG III on the offense is none other than the controversial DeSean Jackson. Jackson was released from the Philadelphia Eagles in the off-season, not due in part to his football talent, but more in part due to his off-the-field decisions and the company he decided to keep. If Jackson can keep his head on straight, he could be a big reason why RG III has a rebound year. Of course, Pierre Garcon and Jordan Reed also help matters. The big question mark on the offense is the offensive line. The Redskins don't have a lot of talent on the offensive line and that's not a good thing when you have a quarterback who loves to run and can't slide for nothing. However, they have a lot of exciting pieces on the offensive side of the ball and they are going to be one of the most "must-see" teams to watch this year.
On the defensive side of the ball, Washington is not great, but they also aren't exactly horrible either. Jason Hatcher and Brian Orakpo are two guys who can play on my defense any day of the week and should help make up for a lot of the Redskins deficiencies on defense. Where Washington is really hurting in talent is in the secondary. Outside of Ryan Clark, they have a bunch of guys who are either unproven or just not good enough. Seattle showed us last year how important it is for a successful defense to have a good secondary. If that's the case, you may want to consider starting any quarterback who is playing against the Redskins that week in fantasy football. Say what you want about the Redskins, but one thing is for sure. Things are never boring with this football team and they certainly won't be this year.
Head Coach: Jay Gruden (0-0 all-time in Washington)
Last Year's Results: 3-13, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Robert Griffin III (GS)
RB: Alfred Morris (HQ)
FB: Darrel Young (PS)
WR: DeSean Jackson (HQ)
WR: Pierre Garcon (HQ)
TE: Jordan Reed (GS)
C: Kory Lichtensteiger (AS)
RG: Chris Chester (BAS)
LG: Shawn Lauvao (PS)
RT: Tyler Polumbus (BAS)
LT: Trent Williams (HQ)
DEFENSE:
DE: Stephen Bowen (BAS)
DE: Jason Hatcher (HQ)
DT: Barry Cofield (GS)
LOLB: Ryan Kerrigan (GS)
ROLB: Brian Orakpo (HQ)
ILB: Perry Riley (AS)
ILB: Keenan Robinson (PS)
CB: DeAngelo Hall (AS)
CB: David Amerson (BAS)
SS: Brandon Meriweather (PS)
FS: Ryan Clark (GS)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Kai Forbath
P: Robert Malone
Schedule:
vs. @ Houston
vs. Jacksonville
vs. @ Philadelphia
vs. New York Giants
vs. Seattle
vs. @ Arizona
vs. Tennessee
vs. @ Dallas
vs. @ Minnesota
BYE WEEK
vs. Tampa Bay
vs. @ San Francisco
vs. @ Indianapolis
vs. St. Louis
vs. @ New York Giants
vs. Philadelphia
vs. Dallas
Predicted Results: 6-10 (2-4 in division), miss playoffs
Team Analysis: I've seen predictions for this year's Washington Redskins team all over the place. I've seen some people have them at 3-13 with absolutely no confidence in Jay Gruden or Robert Griffin III. I've also seen some people have them rebound with a 9-7 season and potentially sneaking into the playoffs. Personally, I have them somewhere in the middle. I never have much faith in Dan Snyder to make good football decisions and he once again restored my faith in him by bringing the unproven Jay Gruden aboard as head coach to help turn this whole thing around after a disappointing 3-13 season last year. I've seen nothing from Gruden that's convinced me he has what it takes to be a successful NFL head coach and the Redskins hired him in hopes that he could help turn RG III's career around. It might happen, but I wouldn't bet my house on it. What has Gruden done in the NFL thus far that has you convinced he could be a successful coach in this league? Go ahead. I'll wait.
Anyway, if RG III is going to have a good year this year, it's going to start and end with the pieces that surround him. Luckily for him, he's got some good ones to work with. Alfred Morris is one of the best running backs in the NFL that no one talks about. Since entering the league, Morris has averaged over 1,000 rushing yards per year, and even though he saw his numbers dip a little bit last year, I have a feeling that he's in for a big year. Joining Morris and RG III on the offense is none other than the controversial DeSean Jackson. Jackson was released from the Philadelphia Eagles in the off-season, not due in part to his football talent, but more in part due to his off-the-field decisions and the company he decided to keep. If Jackson can keep his head on straight, he could be a big reason why RG III has a rebound year. Of course, Pierre Garcon and Jordan Reed also help matters. The big question mark on the offense is the offensive line. The Redskins don't have a lot of talent on the offensive line and that's not a good thing when you have a quarterback who loves to run and can't slide for nothing. However, they have a lot of exciting pieces on the offensive side of the ball and they are going to be one of the most "must-see" teams to watch this year.
On the defensive side of the ball, Washington is not great, but they also aren't exactly horrible either. Jason Hatcher and Brian Orakpo are two guys who can play on my defense any day of the week and should help make up for a lot of the Redskins deficiencies on defense. Where Washington is really hurting in talent is in the secondary. Outside of Ryan Clark, they have a bunch of guys who are either unproven or just not good enough. Seattle showed us last year how important it is for a successful defense to have a good secondary. If that's the case, you may want to consider starting any quarterback who is playing against the Redskins that week in fantasy football. Say what you want about the Redskins, but one thing is for sure. Things are never boring with this football team and they certainly won't be this year.
Dustin James Preview's The 2014-15 NFL Season: New York Jets
New York Jets
Head Coach: Rex Ryan (42-38 all-time in New York)
Last Year's Results: 8-8, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Geno Smith (BAS)
RB: Chris Johnson (BAS)
FB: Tommy Bohanon (PS)
WR: Eric Decker (GS)
WR: Stephen Hill (PS)
TE: Jeff Cumberland (BAS)
C: Nick Mangold (GS)
RG: Willie Colon (AS)
LG: Brian Winters (PS)
RT: Breno Giacomini (AS)
LT: D'Brickashaw Ferguson (GS)
DEFENSE:
DE: Muhammad Wilkerson (HQ)
DE: Sheldon Richardson (HQ)
DT: Damon Harrison (HQ)
LOLB: Quinton Coples (BAS)
ROLB: Calvin Pace (BAS)
ILB: DeMario Davis (BAS)
ILB: David Harris (AS)
CB: Dee Milliner (AS)
CB: Dimitri Patterson (GS)
SS: Dawan Landry (AS)
FS: Calvin Pryor (R)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Nick Folk
P: Ryan Quigley
Schedule:
vs. Oakland
vs. @ Green Bay
vs. Chicago
vs. Detroit
vs. @ San Diego
vs. Denver
vs. @ New England
vs. Buffalo
vs. @ Kansas City
vs. Pittsburgh
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Buffalo
vs. Miami
vs. @ Minnesota
vs. @ Tennessee
vs. New England
vs. @ Miami
Predicted Results: 6-10 (3-3 in division)
Team Analysis: The Jets are one of those teams that I don't really know what to make of. While they have some nice pieces on the team, they have some big-time question marks at the most important positions in the NFL. Rex Ryan has been head coach of the Jets for five seasons now and has been the pure definition of a mediocre coach. He has yet to win an AFC East title. How does a coach keep his job for five plus years when he can't even win his own division? The most success that Ryan endured was when he first came to New York and led the Jets to two straight AFC title games, but he was defeated in both games and his roster has just been depleted since. The Jets haven't been to the playoffs in three seasons and if they don't get back there this year, Ryan will be let go. I've got good news for you Jets fans. Rex Ryan will not be coaching your team beyond this season.
On offense, the Jets are a dumpster fire. Your offense is only going to go as far as your QB can take you and unfortunately the Jets don't have a very good one. Geno Smith showed some signs that he could turn into a decent starter eventually last season, but he's going to need a lot of good coaching and patience. It's unfortunate for him that the Jets have neither. New York signed Eric Decker to a big contract in the off-season to help out Geno, but you have to be a little cautious whenever a WR signs a big-time free agent deal with a different team. Why didn't the Broncos want to bring back Decker? Was it because they believed that Peyton made him a better player than he actually was? That's my thought and it wouldn't shock me at all to see Decker flame out in New York. As far as the rest of the offense is concerned, the Jets are relying on a bunch of average guys and a beat-up Chris Johnson to help them score points this year. Things could get extremely ugly in New York on the offensive side of the ball this year.
Defensively though, the Jets aren't too bad. They have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL and should have no problem creating chaos for other team's offenses. The defensive line is going to have to be top notch this year as the Jets are lacking both talent and depth at linebacker and are also young in the secondary. Last year's first-round pick Dee Milliner insists that he's the best CB in the game today (he's not), but if he can start to play as good as his mouth think he is and the Jets also get a strong performance out of first-round pick Calvin Pryor...the J-E-T-S might be better off defensively than anyone is giving them credit for. I may knock Rex Ryan a lot, but he does get a lot out of his defensive talent and this unit should be one of his strongest in years. It's unfortunate for him that it's all going to be too little, too late. I have the Jets winning six games this season, but it wouldn't shock me at all to see the wheels completely fall off and New York is heading into next year's draft with the #1 pick.
Head Coach: Rex Ryan (42-38 all-time in New York)
Last Year's Results: 8-8, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Geno Smith (BAS)
RB: Chris Johnson (BAS)
FB: Tommy Bohanon (PS)
WR: Eric Decker (GS)
WR: Stephen Hill (PS)
TE: Jeff Cumberland (BAS)
C: Nick Mangold (GS)
RG: Willie Colon (AS)
LG: Brian Winters (PS)
RT: Breno Giacomini (AS)
LT: D'Brickashaw Ferguson (GS)
DEFENSE:
DE: Muhammad Wilkerson (HQ)
DE: Sheldon Richardson (HQ)
DT: Damon Harrison (HQ)
LOLB: Quinton Coples (BAS)
ROLB: Calvin Pace (BAS)
ILB: DeMario Davis (BAS)
ILB: David Harris (AS)
CB: Dee Milliner (AS)
CB: Dimitri Patterson (GS)
SS: Dawan Landry (AS)
FS: Calvin Pryor (R)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Nick Folk
P: Ryan Quigley
Schedule:
vs. Oakland
vs. @ Green Bay
vs. Chicago
vs. Detroit
vs. @ San Diego
vs. Denver
vs. @ New England
vs. Buffalo
vs. @ Kansas City
vs. Pittsburgh
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Buffalo
vs. Miami
vs. @ Minnesota
vs. @ Tennessee
vs. New England
vs. @ Miami
Predicted Results: 6-10 (3-3 in division)
Team Analysis: The Jets are one of those teams that I don't really know what to make of. While they have some nice pieces on the team, they have some big-time question marks at the most important positions in the NFL. Rex Ryan has been head coach of the Jets for five seasons now and has been the pure definition of a mediocre coach. He has yet to win an AFC East title. How does a coach keep his job for five plus years when he can't even win his own division? The most success that Ryan endured was when he first came to New York and led the Jets to two straight AFC title games, but he was defeated in both games and his roster has just been depleted since. The Jets haven't been to the playoffs in three seasons and if they don't get back there this year, Ryan will be let go. I've got good news for you Jets fans. Rex Ryan will not be coaching your team beyond this season.
On offense, the Jets are a dumpster fire. Your offense is only going to go as far as your QB can take you and unfortunately the Jets don't have a very good one. Geno Smith showed some signs that he could turn into a decent starter eventually last season, but he's going to need a lot of good coaching and patience. It's unfortunate for him that the Jets have neither. New York signed Eric Decker to a big contract in the off-season to help out Geno, but you have to be a little cautious whenever a WR signs a big-time free agent deal with a different team. Why didn't the Broncos want to bring back Decker? Was it because they believed that Peyton made him a better player than he actually was? That's my thought and it wouldn't shock me at all to see Decker flame out in New York. As far as the rest of the offense is concerned, the Jets are relying on a bunch of average guys and a beat-up Chris Johnson to help them score points this year. Things could get extremely ugly in New York on the offensive side of the ball this year.
Defensively though, the Jets aren't too bad. They have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL and should have no problem creating chaos for other team's offenses. The defensive line is going to have to be top notch this year as the Jets are lacking both talent and depth at linebacker and are also young in the secondary. Last year's first-round pick Dee Milliner insists that he's the best CB in the game today (he's not), but if he can start to play as good as his mouth think he is and the Jets also get a strong performance out of first-round pick Calvin Pryor...the J-E-T-S might be better off defensively than anyone is giving them credit for. I may knock Rex Ryan a lot, but he does get a lot out of his defensive talent and this unit should be one of his strongest in years. It's unfortunate for him that it's all going to be too little, too late. I have the Jets winning six games this season, but it wouldn't shock me at all to see the wheels completely fall off and New York is heading into next year's draft with the #1 pick.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Dustin James Preview's The 2014-15 NFL Season: Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
Head Coach: Doug Marrone (6-10 all-time in Buffalo)
Last Year's Results: 6-10, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: EJ Manuel (PS)
RB: C.J. Spiller (HQ)
RB: Fred Jackson (GS)
WR: Sammy Watkins (R)
WR: Robert Woods (AS)
TE: Scott Chandler (BAS)
C: Eric Wood (AS)
RG: Kraig Urbik (AS)
LG: Chris Williams (PS)
RT: Cyrus Kouandjio (R)
LT: Cordy Glenn (GS)
DEFENSE:
DE: Manny Lawson (AS)
DE: Mario Williams (GS)
DT: Marcell Dareus (HQ)
DT: Kyle Williams (E)
WLB: Nigel Bradham (AS)
MLB: Brandon Spikes (GS)
SLB: Keith Rivers (PS)
CB: Stephon Gilmore (AS)
CB: Leodis McKelvin (AS)
SS: Da'Norris Searcy (AS)
FS: Aaron Williams (AS)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Dan Carpenter
P: Brian Moorman
Schedule:
vs. @ Chicago
vs. Miami
vs. San Diego
vs. @ Houston
vs. @ Detroit
vs. New England
vs. Minnesota
vs. @ New York Jets
BYE WEEK
vs. Kansas City
vs. @ Miami
vs. New York Jets
vs. Cleveland
vs. @ Denver
vs. Green Bay
vs. @ Oakland
vs. @ New England
Predicted Results: 6-10 (2-4 in division)
Team Analysis: Stop me if you've heard this one before. "Quarterback play is the most important thing in the NFL." If that statement rings true (and it does....), than the Buffalo Bills are royally screwed. The Bills actually have a decent little team on paper, but the most important position in the NFL is the quarterback position and the Bills have arguably the worst starting QB in the NFL. Now, I know I could be laying it on a little thick on ol' EJ Manuel, but the guy has done absolutely nothing that shows me he has what it takes to be a competent starter in the NFL. The Bills have some legit play-makers on their offense. Their WR corps looks like they were plucked right out of the Oregon Ducks line-up as they may be the speediest group in the NFL. Led by my favorite player in the 2014 draft (Sammy Watkins), the Bills WR's are damn sexy on paper. If they had someone like Aaron Rodgers throwing them the ball, I would be all over these guys in fantasy football. Unfortunately, Manuel is behind center and therefore it wouldn't shock me to see guys like Watkins have little impact in the fantasy world this year. The Bills will be another team likely paying close attention to the quarterbacks in college football this year and could push one Florida State guy out in favor of another one.
As far as their defense is concerned, the Bills are actually pretty good on that side of the ball. The loss of LB Kiko Alonso really hurts their linebacker group, but they are pretty stacked on the defensive line, which could help cushion the loss of a player like Alonso. Another reason I'm not too high on the Bills is that I'm not totally sold on Doug Marrone as an NFL head coach yet. I'm interested to see what he's able to do this year, but he's got pretty much all of his chips in the "EJ Manuel" basket and something tells me that basket could end up tipping over and starting on fire this year. It wouldn't shock me to see Marrone as the head coach of a college football team this time next year.
Head Coach: Doug Marrone (6-10 all-time in Buffalo)
Last Year's Results: 6-10, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: EJ Manuel (PS)
RB: C.J. Spiller (HQ)
RB: Fred Jackson (GS)
WR: Sammy Watkins (R)
WR: Robert Woods (AS)
TE: Scott Chandler (BAS)
C: Eric Wood (AS)
RG: Kraig Urbik (AS)
LG: Chris Williams (PS)
RT: Cyrus Kouandjio (R)
LT: Cordy Glenn (GS)
DEFENSE:
DE: Manny Lawson (AS)
DE: Mario Williams (GS)
DT: Marcell Dareus (HQ)
DT: Kyle Williams (E)
WLB: Nigel Bradham (AS)
MLB: Brandon Spikes (GS)
SLB: Keith Rivers (PS)
CB: Stephon Gilmore (AS)
CB: Leodis McKelvin (AS)
SS: Da'Norris Searcy (AS)
FS: Aaron Williams (AS)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Dan Carpenter
P: Brian Moorman
Schedule:
vs. @ Chicago
vs. Miami
vs. San Diego
vs. @ Houston
vs. @ Detroit
vs. New England
vs. Minnesota
vs. @ New York Jets
BYE WEEK
vs. Kansas City
vs. @ Miami
vs. New York Jets
vs. Cleveland
vs. @ Denver
vs. Green Bay
vs. @ Oakland
vs. @ New England
Predicted Results: 6-10 (2-4 in division)
Team Analysis: Stop me if you've heard this one before. "Quarterback play is the most important thing in the NFL." If that statement rings true (and it does....), than the Buffalo Bills are royally screwed. The Bills actually have a decent little team on paper, but the most important position in the NFL is the quarterback position and the Bills have arguably the worst starting QB in the NFL. Now, I know I could be laying it on a little thick on ol' EJ Manuel, but the guy has done absolutely nothing that shows me he has what it takes to be a competent starter in the NFL. The Bills have some legit play-makers on their offense. Their WR corps looks like they were plucked right out of the Oregon Ducks line-up as they may be the speediest group in the NFL. Led by my favorite player in the 2014 draft (Sammy Watkins), the Bills WR's are damn sexy on paper. If they had someone like Aaron Rodgers throwing them the ball, I would be all over these guys in fantasy football. Unfortunately, Manuel is behind center and therefore it wouldn't shock me to see guys like Watkins have little impact in the fantasy world this year. The Bills will be another team likely paying close attention to the quarterbacks in college football this year and could push one Florida State guy out in favor of another one.
As far as their defense is concerned, the Bills are actually pretty good on that side of the ball. The loss of LB Kiko Alonso really hurts their linebacker group, but they are pretty stacked on the defensive line, which could help cushion the loss of a player like Alonso. Another reason I'm not too high on the Bills is that I'm not totally sold on Doug Marrone as an NFL head coach yet. I'm interested to see what he's able to do this year, but he's got pretty much all of his chips in the "EJ Manuel" basket and something tells me that basket could end up tipping over and starting on fire this year. It wouldn't shock me to see Marrone as the head coach of a college football team this time next year.
Dustin James Preview's The 2014-15 NFL Season: Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
Head Coach: Jason Garrett (29-27 overall in Dallas)
Last Year's Results: 8-8, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Tony Romo (GS)
RB: DeMarco Murray (HQ)
FB: Tyler Clutts (PS)
WR: Dez Bryant (E)
WR: Terrance Williams (AS)
TE: Jason Witten (HQ)
C: Travis Frederick (GS)
RG: Zack Martin (R)
LG: Ronald Leary (BAS)
RT: Doug Free (GS)
LT: Tyron Smith (HQ)
DEFENSE:
DE: George Selvie (AS)
DE: Jeremy Mincey (AS)
DT: Nick Hayden (PS)
DT: Henry Melton (GS)
WLB: Bruce Carter (BAS)
MLB: Anthony Hitchens (R)
SLB: Kyle Wilber (PS)
CB: Brandon Carr (AS)
CB: Morris Claiborne (BAS)
SS: J.J. Wilcox (BAS)
FS: Barry Church (AS)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Dan Bailey
P: Chris Jones
Schedule:
vs. San Francisco
vs. @ Tennessee
vs. @ St. Louis
vs. New Orleans
vs. Houston
vs. @ Seattle
vs. New York Giants
vs. Washington
vs. Arizona
vs. @ Jacksonville
BYE WEEK
vs. @ New York Giants
vs. Philadelphia
vs. @ Chicago
vs. @ Philadelphia
vs. Indianapolis
vs. @ Washington
Predicted Finish: 3-13 (2-4 in division), miss playoffs
Team Analysis: Now, now, now, Cowboys fans. Before you close the window angrily and head to the comments section to call me "retarded", let me explain to you guys how a 3-13 season is the best thing that could happen to Dallas. Personally, I'm a Kansas City Chiefs fan. The Chiefs had been stuck in NFL purgatory for what seems like forever. After numerous 6-10, 7-9, and 8-8 seasons, I needed a change. I was tired of my favorite football team just being average (which is the definition of an 8-8 football team). And then it happened. The "Suck for Luck" campaign was in full force and before you know it, the Chiefs were the lead dogs in the race. I could tell just by watching Luck play the game in college that he was going to be a bonafide stud in the NFL. He was pretty much the definition of a "can't miss prospect" and I wanted him on my team. Unfortunately it didn't happen (the Colts were just a little worse than the Chiefs that year), but I still remember rooting for my team to lose games because I was sick of being average. That's how Cowboys fans should feel right now. They should hope that the wheels completely fall off this already squeaky wagon and the team fires Jason Garrett (who is just an awful NFL head coach), let's Tony Romo walk, and hatches a new wagon in the form of either Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston. Now THAT would get people in the "Big D" excited again.
On the offense side of the ball, the Cowboys aren't bad. Believe it or not, I'm actually a Tony Romo guy. I think the guy has the talent to be a top QB in the league, he just likes to make boneheaded mistakes (something that could potentially get fixed with better coaching and a potential change of scenery) when the game is on the line. If Romo could somehow channel his "Inner-Alex Smith" and protect the ball better, people would take him more seriously and he'd probably stop becoming the butt of everyone's jokes. Romo has some good pieces to work with in this offense as well. DeMarco Murray's numbers drastically improved last year after his number of touches did. He has yet to play a full season, which is a little worrisome, but he's a great complement in the backfield to Romo and a guy I would take in fantasy football as I'm sure he's set for a big season this year. Romo also has plenty of targets in Dez Bryant (one of the best WR's in the league), Jason Witten, and Terrance Williams, so moving the ball consistently shouldn't be a problem for the Cowboys who also have a pretty solid offensive line. There isn't much to worry about on the offensive side of the ball for Dallas.
Defensively though? Yikes. I'm going to put this as nice as I possibly can, but the Cowboy's are absolutely atrocious on defense. Things didn't get any better when Dallas' best defensive player, Sean Lee, tore his ACL in the off-season and is now expected to miss the entire season. That was a huge blow to a unit that desperately needs more talent. Ross Tucker of the NFL Network tweeted out that the Cowboys have a great chance of becoming the WORST defensive team of all-time. OF ALL-TIME PEOPLE!!! That's how bad this unit is. No where on this defense is there a guy that I would consider "elite" or "high quality". There's been some horrible draft picks over the years that haven't panned out (Morris Claiborne) and highly-paid free agents who get their money and seemingly stop playing at a high level (Brandon Carr). The Cowboys really need a shot of adrenaline into this defense if they have any hope of winning more than 3-5 games this year. Like I said earlier, Cowboys fans should be praying for the worst this year. If you only win 3 games, your team next year could look drastically different. How does a Dallas Cowboys team with Marcus Mariota at QB, Jon Gruden at head coach, and a bunch of new defensive talent sound? It sounds a lot better than anything the Cowboys are going to field this year......
Head Coach: Jason Garrett (29-27 overall in Dallas)
Last Year's Results: 8-8, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Tony Romo (GS)
RB: DeMarco Murray (HQ)
FB: Tyler Clutts (PS)
WR: Dez Bryant (E)
WR: Terrance Williams (AS)
TE: Jason Witten (HQ)
C: Travis Frederick (GS)
RG: Zack Martin (R)
LG: Ronald Leary (BAS)
RT: Doug Free (GS)
LT: Tyron Smith (HQ)
DEFENSE:
DE: George Selvie (AS)
DE: Jeremy Mincey (AS)
DT: Nick Hayden (PS)
DT: Henry Melton (GS)
WLB: Bruce Carter (BAS)
MLB: Anthony Hitchens (R)
SLB: Kyle Wilber (PS)
CB: Brandon Carr (AS)
CB: Morris Claiborne (BAS)
SS: J.J. Wilcox (BAS)
FS: Barry Church (AS)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Dan Bailey
P: Chris Jones
Schedule:
vs. San Francisco
vs. @ Tennessee
vs. @ St. Louis
vs. New Orleans
vs. Houston
vs. @ Seattle
vs. New York Giants
vs. Washington
vs. Arizona
vs. @ Jacksonville
BYE WEEK
vs. @ New York Giants
vs. Philadelphia
vs. @ Chicago
vs. @ Philadelphia
vs. Indianapolis
vs. @ Washington
Predicted Finish: 3-13 (2-4 in division), miss playoffs
Team Analysis: Now, now, now, Cowboys fans. Before you close the window angrily and head to the comments section to call me "retarded", let me explain to you guys how a 3-13 season is the best thing that could happen to Dallas. Personally, I'm a Kansas City Chiefs fan. The Chiefs had been stuck in NFL purgatory for what seems like forever. After numerous 6-10, 7-9, and 8-8 seasons, I needed a change. I was tired of my favorite football team just being average (which is the definition of an 8-8 football team). And then it happened. The "Suck for Luck" campaign was in full force and before you know it, the Chiefs were the lead dogs in the race. I could tell just by watching Luck play the game in college that he was going to be a bonafide stud in the NFL. He was pretty much the definition of a "can't miss prospect" and I wanted him on my team. Unfortunately it didn't happen (the Colts were just a little worse than the Chiefs that year), but I still remember rooting for my team to lose games because I was sick of being average. That's how Cowboys fans should feel right now. They should hope that the wheels completely fall off this already squeaky wagon and the team fires Jason Garrett (who is just an awful NFL head coach), let's Tony Romo walk, and hatches a new wagon in the form of either Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston. Now THAT would get people in the "Big D" excited again.
On the offense side of the ball, the Cowboys aren't bad. Believe it or not, I'm actually a Tony Romo guy. I think the guy has the talent to be a top QB in the league, he just likes to make boneheaded mistakes (something that could potentially get fixed with better coaching and a potential change of scenery) when the game is on the line. If Romo could somehow channel his "Inner-Alex Smith" and protect the ball better, people would take him more seriously and he'd probably stop becoming the butt of everyone's jokes. Romo has some good pieces to work with in this offense as well. DeMarco Murray's numbers drastically improved last year after his number of touches did. He has yet to play a full season, which is a little worrisome, but he's a great complement in the backfield to Romo and a guy I would take in fantasy football as I'm sure he's set for a big season this year. Romo also has plenty of targets in Dez Bryant (one of the best WR's in the league), Jason Witten, and Terrance Williams, so moving the ball consistently shouldn't be a problem for the Cowboys who also have a pretty solid offensive line. There isn't much to worry about on the offensive side of the ball for Dallas.
Defensively though? Yikes. I'm going to put this as nice as I possibly can, but the Cowboy's are absolutely atrocious on defense. Things didn't get any better when Dallas' best defensive player, Sean Lee, tore his ACL in the off-season and is now expected to miss the entire season. That was a huge blow to a unit that desperately needs more talent. Ross Tucker of the NFL Network tweeted out that the Cowboys have a great chance of becoming the WORST defensive team of all-time. OF ALL-TIME PEOPLE!!! That's how bad this unit is. No where on this defense is there a guy that I would consider "elite" or "high quality". There's been some horrible draft picks over the years that haven't panned out (Morris Claiborne) and highly-paid free agents who get their money and seemingly stop playing at a high level (Brandon Carr). The Cowboys really need a shot of adrenaline into this defense if they have any hope of winning more than 3-5 games this year. Like I said earlier, Cowboys fans should be praying for the worst this year. If you only win 3 games, your team next year could look drastically different. How does a Dallas Cowboys team with Marcus Mariota at QB, Jon Gruden at head coach, and a bunch of new defensive talent sound? It sounds a lot better than anything the Cowboys are going to field this year......
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Dustin James Preview's The 2014-15 Season: Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
Head Coach: John Harbaugh (62-34 all-time in Baltimore)
Last Year's Results: 8-8, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Joe Flacco (AS)
RB: Ray Rice (AS)
FB: Kyle Juszczyk (???)
WR: Torrey Smith (GS)
WR: Steve Smith (GS)
TE: Dennis Pitta (GS)
C: Jeremy Zuttah (AS)
RG: Marshal Yanda (HQ)
LG: Kelechi Osemele (AS)
RT: Ricky Wagner (???)
LT: Eugene Monroe (GS)
DEFENSE:
DE: Chris Canty (AS)
DE: Brandon Williams (???)
DT: Haloti Ngata (GS)
LOLB: Terrell Suggs (GS)
ROLB: Elvis Dumervil (HQ)
ILB: C.J. Mosley (R)
ILB: Daryl Smith (AS)
CB: Lardarius Webb (HQ)
CB: Jimmy Smith (AS)
SS: Matt Elam (AS)
FS: Terrence Brooks (R)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Justin Tucker
P: Sam Koch
Schedule:
vs. Cincinnati
vs. Pittsburgh
vs. @ Cleveland
vs. Carolina
vs. @ Indianapolis
vs. @ Tampa Bay
vs. Atlanta
vs. @ Cincinnati
vs. @ Pittsburgh
vs. Tennessee
BYE WEEK
vs. @ New Orleans
vs. San Diego
vs. @ Miami
vs. Jacksonville
vs. @ Houston
vs. Cleveland
Predicted Results: 10-6 (5-1 in division)
Team Analysis: Two years ago, I picked the Baltimore Ravens to win the Super Bowl. Why? I honestly can't remember the reason why. I just remember going through my usual predictions and at the end I realized I had the Ravens ranked REALLY high. I can't remember anyone else picking the Ravens to win the big one that year, but for some reason....I was feeling them. Last year I wasn't as high on them (Super Bowl hangover's can be a real bitch sometimes) and they came out and seemingly disappointed. This year, they have a new offensive coordinator who should help Joe Flacco rebound from a piss poor season last year (Flacco is a system guy, who's success depends on how he mixes with the OC) and Baltimore should find themselves in the mix of it all again with the upper echelon of the AFC.
Offensively, the Ravens are pretty average. Like I mentioned earlier, Joe Flacco is not an elite QB in the NFL. He's a system guy who's only as good as the system he's in. If he's not gelling with the offensive coordinator, he'll look absolutely horrible and that's what happened last season. Flacco will have some decent weapons to throw to this season. I absolutely love the addition of Steve Smith from Carolina. Smith will be that possession receiver that the Ravens have lacked since Anquan Boldin bolted town and the results will be shown on the field. I'm not a fan of Ray Rice's (especially after seeing the video of him dragging his unconscious wife out of an elevator this off-season) and this could very well be his last season in Baltimore if he doesn't have an absolutely amazing year. Baltimore is set on the offensive line this year and Flacco will have plenty of time to make plays. The only question is, can he return to his Super Bowl form? Baltimore will need him to.
Defensively, the Ravens are fine. While there are some issues in the secondary, the Ravens always seem to get things figured out on the defensive side of the ball and this year won't be any different. If the Ravens fail to make the playoffs again this year, it won't be this unit's fault. That blame will likely fall squarely on the coaching staff and the offense. Either way, I love Baltimore's chances to return to the playoffs this year. I wouldn't go as far as to say they are "Super Bowl contenders", but they are definitely a contender to sneak up and make some noise this season, much like they did two years ago.
Head Coach: John Harbaugh (62-34 all-time in Baltimore)
Last Year's Results: 8-8, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Joe Flacco (AS)
RB: Ray Rice (AS)
FB: Kyle Juszczyk (???)
WR: Torrey Smith (GS)
WR: Steve Smith (GS)
TE: Dennis Pitta (GS)
C: Jeremy Zuttah (AS)
RG: Marshal Yanda (HQ)
LG: Kelechi Osemele (AS)
RT: Ricky Wagner (???)
LT: Eugene Monroe (GS)
DEFENSE:
DE: Chris Canty (AS)
DE: Brandon Williams (???)
DT: Haloti Ngata (GS)
LOLB: Terrell Suggs (GS)
ROLB: Elvis Dumervil (HQ)
ILB: C.J. Mosley (R)
ILB: Daryl Smith (AS)
CB: Lardarius Webb (HQ)
CB: Jimmy Smith (AS)
SS: Matt Elam (AS)
FS: Terrence Brooks (R)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Justin Tucker
P: Sam Koch
Schedule:
vs. Cincinnati
vs. Pittsburgh
vs. @ Cleveland
vs. Carolina
vs. @ Indianapolis
vs. @ Tampa Bay
vs. Atlanta
vs. @ Cincinnati
vs. @ Pittsburgh
vs. Tennessee
BYE WEEK
vs. @ New Orleans
vs. San Diego
vs. @ Miami
vs. Jacksonville
vs. @ Houston
vs. Cleveland
Predicted Results: 10-6 (5-1 in division)
Team Analysis: Two years ago, I picked the Baltimore Ravens to win the Super Bowl. Why? I honestly can't remember the reason why. I just remember going through my usual predictions and at the end I realized I had the Ravens ranked REALLY high. I can't remember anyone else picking the Ravens to win the big one that year, but for some reason....I was feeling them. Last year I wasn't as high on them (Super Bowl hangover's can be a real bitch sometimes) and they came out and seemingly disappointed. This year, they have a new offensive coordinator who should help Joe Flacco rebound from a piss poor season last year (Flacco is a system guy, who's success depends on how he mixes with the OC) and Baltimore should find themselves in the mix of it all again with the upper echelon of the AFC.
Offensively, the Ravens are pretty average. Like I mentioned earlier, Joe Flacco is not an elite QB in the NFL. He's a system guy who's only as good as the system he's in. If he's not gelling with the offensive coordinator, he'll look absolutely horrible and that's what happened last season. Flacco will have some decent weapons to throw to this season. I absolutely love the addition of Steve Smith from Carolina. Smith will be that possession receiver that the Ravens have lacked since Anquan Boldin bolted town and the results will be shown on the field. I'm not a fan of Ray Rice's (especially after seeing the video of him dragging his unconscious wife out of an elevator this off-season) and this could very well be his last season in Baltimore if he doesn't have an absolutely amazing year. Baltimore is set on the offensive line this year and Flacco will have plenty of time to make plays. The only question is, can he return to his Super Bowl form? Baltimore will need him to.
Defensively, the Ravens are fine. While there are some issues in the secondary, the Ravens always seem to get things figured out on the defensive side of the ball and this year won't be any different. If the Ravens fail to make the playoffs again this year, it won't be this unit's fault. That blame will likely fall squarely on the coaching staff and the offense. Either way, I love Baltimore's chances to return to the playoffs this year. I wouldn't go as far as to say they are "Super Bowl contenders", but they are definitely a contender to sneak up and make some noise this season, much like they did two years ago.
Dustin James Preview's The 2014-15 NFL Season: Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
Head Coach: Marc Trestman (8-8 all-time in Chicago)
Last Year's Results: 8-8, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Jay Cutler (GS)
RB: Matt Forte (GS)
FB: Tony Fiammetta (PS)
WR: Brandon Marshall (E)
WR: Alshon Jeffery (HQ)
TE: Martellus Bennett (GS)
C: Roberto Garza (AS)
RG: Kyle Long (AS)
LG: Matt Slauson (GS)
RT: Jordan Mills (PS)
LT: Jermon Bushrod (AS)
DEFENSE:
DE: Lamarr Houston (GS)
DE: Jared Allen (AS)
DT: Stephen Paea (AS)
DT: Jeremiah Ratliff (AS)
WLB: Lance Briggs (GS)
MLB: D.J. Williams (BAS)
SLB: Jon Bostic (BAS)
CB: Charles Tillman (GS)
CB: Tim Jennings (GS)
SS: Ryan Mundy (AS)
FS: Chris Conte (BAS)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Robbie Gould
P: Pat O'Donnell
Schedule:
vs. Buffalo
vs. @ San Francisco
vs. @ New York Jets
vs. Green Bay
vs. @ Carolina
vs. @ Atlanta
vs. Miami
vs. @ New England
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Green Bay
vs. Minnesota
vs. Tampa Bay
vs. @ Detroit
vs. Dallas
vs. New Orleans
vs. Detroit
vs. @ Minnesota
Predicted Results: 11-5 (4-2 in division)
Team Analysis: The Chicago Bears are my "super duper" Super Bowl sleeper for 2014. While I think there's way too much talent in the NFC for the Bears to realistically win the "big one" this year, I like what this team has done recently and they are definitely a team on the rise in the NFL, and it all started last season. After controversially deciding to release head coach Lovie Smith (a move I absolutely hated), the Bears brought in Marc Trestman to run the show and NFL experts everywhere blasted the decision. Why would the Bears let a guy like Lovie Smith go and bring in a relative unknown CFL coach? Well, after a 3-0 start and the offense looking more in sync than ever before, Bears fans quickly realized that Trestman is the real deal and the man has a magic wand and all he has to do is touch a QB and he turns them from Luke McCown into "Peyton Manning-lite". Trestman still doesn't get a whole lot of love from fans as far as being one of the best offensive coaches in the NFL, but people should stand up and take notice after everyone sees what he can do in season two.
Offensively, the Bears are still going to be dominant. Jay Cutler only played in 11 games last season, but he was on his way to one of his best seasons ever and should continue on that streak this season. When you have guys like Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Martellus Bennett to throw the ball to, you are going to have exceptional results. It also helps when you have a guy like Matt Forte in the backfield. Forte had arguably his best season last year under Trestman and should continue to improve as Cutler and the WR corp get back into rhythm as the season progresses. Of course, the Bears are really hoping that Cutler can stay healthy this season, because if he goes down again, Chicago doesn't have Luke McCown to rescue them this season. McCown is with the Buccaneers now and Cutler's back-ups are Jordan Palmer and Jimmy Clausen, two QB's who I don't even think Trestman could fix. The Bears are going to need all they can get from their offensive line, and with the talent they have...it won't be much. Pray that Cutler stays healthy Bears fans, because your offensive line probably won't do much to protect him.
On the defensive side of things, the once dominant Bears are pretty much just average. They have no players that I would consider "elite" or "high quality". They lost Julius Peppers, but bring in a washed-up Jared Allen. If Allen can return to his old form, he'll provide a nice little spark on the defensive line for Chicago, but that's probably asking too much. Chicago is also pretty depleted at linebacker and in the secondary, which is going to be a huge problem come playoff time. This team is going to be a little unusual to watch for Chicago fans. Chicago fans are usually use to seeing a dominant defense win them NFL games to make up for the offense's lack of production. Not anymore. Now this offense is going to have to put up a crap ton of points to help make up for the defense's deficiencies. The good news is, it should be extremely fun to watch. Like I said earlier, Bear's fans should strap themselves in for the ride because it's going to be a fun year. I know it feels weird to draft a Chicago Bears player in fantasy football, but don't be afraid to pull the trigger. This team is going to put up a lot of points and it's going to be something to watch it happen.....
Head Coach: Marc Trestman (8-8 all-time in Chicago)
Last Year's Results: 8-8, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Jay Cutler (GS)
RB: Matt Forte (GS)
FB: Tony Fiammetta (PS)
WR: Brandon Marshall (E)
WR: Alshon Jeffery (HQ)
TE: Martellus Bennett (GS)
C: Roberto Garza (AS)
RG: Kyle Long (AS)
LG: Matt Slauson (GS)
RT: Jordan Mills (PS)
LT: Jermon Bushrod (AS)
DEFENSE:
DE: Lamarr Houston (GS)
DE: Jared Allen (AS)
DT: Stephen Paea (AS)
DT: Jeremiah Ratliff (AS)
WLB: Lance Briggs (GS)
MLB: D.J. Williams (BAS)
SLB: Jon Bostic (BAS)
CB: Charles Tillman (GS)
CB: Tim Jennings (GS)
SS: Ryan Mundy (AS)
FS: Chris Conte (BAS)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Robbie Gould
P: Pat O'Donnell
Schedule:
vs. Buffalo
vs. @ San Francisco
vs. @ New York Jets
vs. Green Bay
vs. @ Carolina
vs. @ Atlanta
vs. Miami
vs. @ New England
BYE WEEK
vs. @ Green Bay
vs. Minnesota
vs. Tampa Bay
vs. @ Detroit
vs. Dallas
vs. New Orleans
vs. Detroit
vs. @ Minnesota
Predicted Results: 11-5 (4-2 in division)
Team Analysis: The Chicago Bears are my "super duper" Super Bowl sleeper for 2014. While I think there's way too much talent in the NFC for the Bears to realistically win the "big one" this year, I like what this team has done recently and they are definitely a team on the rise in the NFL, and it all started last season. After controversially deciding to release head coach Lovie Smith (a move I absolutely hated), the Bears brought in Marc Trestman to run the show and NFL experts everywhere blasted the decision. Why would the Bears let a guy like Lovie Smith go and bring in a relative unknown CFL coach? Well, after a 3-0 start and the offense looking more in sync than ever before, Bears fans quickly realized that Trestman is the real deal and the man has a magic wand and all he has to do is touch a QB and he turns them from Luke McCown into "Peyton Manning-lite". Trestman still doesn't get a whole lot of love from fans as far as being one of the best offensive coaches in the NFL, but people should stand up and take notice after everyone sees what he can do in season two.
Offensively, the Bears are still going to be dominant. Jay Cutler only played in 11 games last season, but he was on his way to one of his best seasons ever and should continue on that streak this season. When you have guys like Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Martellus Bennett to throw the ball to, you are going to have exceptional results. It also helps when you have a guy like Matt Forte in the backfield. Forte had arguably his best season last year under Trestman and should continue to improve as Cutler and the WR corp get back into rhythm as the season progresses. Of course, the Bears are really hoping that Cutler can stay healthy this season, because if he goes down again, Chicago doesn't have Luke McCown to rescue them this season. McCown is with the Buccaneers now and Cutler's back-ups are Jordan Palmer and Jimmy Clausen, two QB's who I don't even think Trestman could fix. The Bears are going to need all they can get from their offensive line, and with the talent they have...it won't be much. Pray that Cutler stays healthy Bears fans, because your offensive line probably won't do much to protect him.
On the defensive side of things, the once dominant Bears are pretty much just average. They have no players that I would consider "elite" or "high quality". They lost Julius Peppers, but bring in a washed-up Jared Allen. If Allen can return to his old form, he'll provide a nice little spark on the defensive line for Chicago, but that's probably asking too much. Chicago is also pretty depleted at linebacker and in the secondary, which is going to be a huge problem come playoff time. This team is going to be a little unusual to watch for Chicago fans. Chicago fans are usually use to seeing a dominant defense win them NFL games to make up for the offense's lack of production. Not anymore. Now this offense is going to have to put up a crap ton of points to help make up for the defense's deficiencies. The good news is, it should be extremely fun to watch. Like I said earlier, Bear's fans should strap themselves in for the ride because it's going to be a fun year. I know it feels weird to draft a Chicago Bears player in fantasy football, but don't be afraid to pull the trigger. This team is going to put up a lot of points and it's going to be something to watch it happen.....
Monday, August 25, 2014
Dustin James Preview's The 2014-15 NFL Season: Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin (71-41 all-time in Pittsburgh)
Last Year's Results: 8-8, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Ben Roethlisberger (HQ)
RB: Le'Veon Bell (AS)
FB: Will Johnson (PS)
WR: Antonio Brown (HQ)
WR: Markus Wheaton (BAS)
TE: Heath Miller (AS)
C: Maurkice Pouncey (GS)
RG: David DeCastro (GS)
LG: Ramon Foster (GS)
RT: Marcus Gilbert (AS)
LT: Kelvin Beachum (AS)
DEFENSE:
DE: Cam Thomas (AS)
DE: Cameron Heyward (GS)
DT: Steve McLendon (AS)
LOLB: Jarvis Jones (BAS)
ROLB: Jason Worilds (GS)
ILB: Ryan Shazier (R)
ILB: Lawrence Timmons (GS)
CB: William Gay (AS)
CB: Ike Taylor (BAS)
SS: Troy Polamalu (HQ)
FS: Mike Mitchell (AS)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Shaun Suisham
P: Brad Wing
Schedule:
vs. Cleveland
vs. @ Baltimore
vs. @ Carolina
vs. Tampa Bay
vs. @ Jacksonville
vs. @ Cleveland
vs. Houston
vs. Indianapolis
vs. Baltimore
vs. @ New York Jets
vs. @ Tennessee
BYE WEEK
vs. New Orleans
vs. @ Cincinnati
vs. @ Atlanta
vs. Kansas City
vs. Cincinnati
Predicted Results: 10-6 (3-3 in division)
Team Analysis: Very few things are constant in the NFL. Yes, there will be concussions this year. Yes, there will be torn ACL's this year. And yes, once again the Pittsburgh Steelers should be in the mix of the playoffs. It's been an odd time in Steeler-land lately. Pittsburgh is the pure definition of "consistent" (well as much as a football team can be with injuries and such constantly on the prowl), and after two mediocre seasons though, Steelers fans are clamoring for some change. If there's one thing in the NFL that's worse than going 0-16, it's going 8-8. If you constantly go 8-8, you end up in the middle of the NFL Draft where you will likely not draft a "team changing player" and you will float in mediocrity for years. I've always said that its better to go 2-14 than it is to go 8-8 because than you at least have the opportunity to draft a guy who can come in and make a big difference right away. The Steelers finishing 8-8 constantly will mean that they'll continue to bounce around in NFL purgatory for sometime, but that's not Mike Tomlin's fault. Tomlin is one of the best head coaches in the NFL, it's just not his problem that the Steelers are quickly becoming one of the oldest teams in the league.
On the offensive side of the ball, Pittsburgh is well off. Ben Roethlisberger is going into his 11th season in the NFL and last year was one of his best year's stats-wise. He loses one of his favorite targets (Emmanuel Sanders), but Antonio Brown is still there and Markus Wheaton should find himself in the starting line-up this season, but if not, Lance Moore and Darius Heyward-Bey will be there ready to step in. Pittsburgh will be fun to watch in the running game this year as they added LeGarrette Blount to go along with Le'Veon Bell and also drafted the speedy Dri Archer who will likely be the fastest player on the field whenever he steps in to play. The Steelers are also good on the offensive line. As long as the unit stays healthy, there's no reason Ben Roethlisberger (who seems to finally be getting comfortable in Todd Haley's shitty system) can't go on to have a career year this year. If you are looking for a sleeper NFL QB in fantasy football, "Big Ben" is your man. This team will put up points this season.
Defensively though, the Steelers are like a bad wine. They are aging, but they are not improving. Troy Polamalu used to be one of the best guys to watch tape on. He was so dominant and exciting of a player, that you couldn't take your eyes off him and his long locks whenever he was on the field. Unfortunately for Polamalu fans, while Troy is still a good football player, Father Time has curbed his explosiveness a little and he's only a shell of what he used to be. That wouldn't be too big of a problem if the Steelers had another "elite" or "high quality" starter on this defense, but there's not one to be found anywhere. Pittsburgh needs a lot of help in the secondary and while the linebacker unit should continue to improve this season with the addition of Ryan Shazier, there's still way too much work to be done on defense before we can seriously consider the Steelers a playoff contender again. With "Big Ben" poised to have another great year, it'll be a real shame if the defense is to blame for this team hitting a wall this year. Unfortunately, that's probably what's going to happen.
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin (71-41 all-time in Pittsburgh)
Last Year's Results: 8-8, no playoffs
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Ben Roethlisberger (HQ)
RB: Le'Veon Bell (AS)
FB: Will Johnson (PS)
WR: Antonio Brown (HQ)
WR: Markus Wheaton (BAS)
TE: Heath Miller (AS)
C: Maurkice Pouncey (GS)
RG: David DeCastro (GS)
LG: Ramon Foster (GS)
RT: Marcus Gilbert (AS)
LT: Kelvin Beachum (AS)
DEFENSE:
DE: Cam Thomas (AS)
DE: Cameron Heyward (GS)
DT: Steve McLendon (AS)
LOLB: Jarvis Jones (BAS)
ROLB: Jason Worilds (GS)
ILB: Ryan Shazier (R)
ILB: Lawrence Timmons (GS)
CB: William Gay (AS)
CB: Ike Taylor (BAS)
SS: Troy Polamalu (HQ)
FS: Mike Mitchell (AS)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Shaun Suisham
P: Brad Wing
Schedule:
vs. Cleveland
vs. @ Baltimore
vs. @ Carolina
vs. Tampa Bay
vs. @ Jacksonville
vs. @ Cleveland
vs. Houston
vs. Indianapolis
vs. Baltimore
vs. @ New York Jets
vs. @ Tennessee
BYE WEEK
vs. New Orleans
vs. @ Cincinnati
vs. @ Atlanta
vs. Kansas City
vs. Cincinnati
Predicted Results: 10-6 (3-3 in division)
Team Analysis: Very few things are constant in the NFL. Yes, there will be concussions this year. Yes, there will be torn ACL's this year. And yes, once again the Pittsburgh Steelers should be in the mix of the playoffs. It's been an odd time in Steeler-land lately. Pittsburgh is the pure definition of "consistent" (well as much as a football team can be with injuries and such constantly on the prowl), and after two mediocre seasons though, Steelers fans are clamoring for some change. If there's one thing in the NFL that's worse than going 0-16, it's going 8-8. If you constantly go 8-8, you end up in the middle of the NFL Draft where you will likely not draft a "team changing player" and you will float in mediocrity for years. I've always said that its better to go 2-14 than it is to go 8-8 because than you at least have the opportunity to draft a guy who can come in and make a big difference right away. The Steelers finishing 8-8 constantly will mean that they'll continue to bounce around in NFL purgatory for sometime, but that's not Mike Tomlin's fault. Tomlin is one of the best head coaches in the NFL, it's just not his problem that the Steelers are quickly becoming one of the oldest teams in the league.
On the offensive side of the ball, Pittsburgh is well off. Ben Roethlisberger is going into his 11th season in the NFL and last year was one of his best year's stats-wise. He loses one of his favorite targets (Emmanuel Sanders), but Antonio Brown is still there and Markus Wheaton should find himself in the starting line-up this season, but if not, Lance Moore and Darius Heyward-Bey will be there ready to step in. Pittsburgh will be fun to watch in the running game this year as they added LeGarrette Blount to go along with Le'Veon Bell and also drafted the speedy Dri Archer who will likely be the fastest player on the field whenever he steps in to play. The Steelers are also good on the offensive line. As long as the unit stays healthy, there's no reason Ben Roethlisberger (who seems to finally be getting comfortable in Todd Haley's shitty system) can't go on to have a career year this year. If you are looking for a sleeper NFL QB in fantasy football, "Big Ben" is your man. This team will put up points this season.
Defensively though, the Steelers are like a bad wine. They are aging, but they are not improving. Troy Polamalu used to be one of the best guys to watch tape on. He was so dominant and exciting of a player, that you couldn't take your eyes off him and his long locks whenever he was on the field. Unfortunately for Polamalu fans, while Troy is still a good football player, Father Time has curbed his explosiveness a little and he's only a shell of what he used to be. That wouldn't be too big of a problem if the Steelers had another "elite" or "high quality" starter on this defense, but there's not one to be found anywhere. Pittsburgh needs a lot of help in the secondary and while the linebacker unit should continue to improve this season with the addition of Ryan Shazier, there's still way too much work to be done on defense before we can seriously consider the Steelers a playoff contender again. With "Big Ben" poised to have another great year, it'll be a real shame if the defense is to blame for this team hitting a wall this year. Unfortunately, that's probably what's going to happen.
Dustin James Preview's The 2014-15 NFL Season: Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
Head Coach: Mike McCarthy (82-45-1 all-time in Green Bay)
Last Year's Results: 8-7-1, eliminated in Wildcard Round by San Francisco 49ers
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Aaron Rodgers (E)
RB: Eddie Lacy (HQ)
FB: John Kuhn (GS)
WR: Randall Cobb (GS)
WR: Jordy Nelson (HQ)
TE: Andrew Quarles (BAS)
C: J.C. Tretter (???)
RG: T.J. Lang (GS)
LG: Josh Sitton (E)
RT: Bryan Bulaga (AS)
LT: David Bakhtiari (BAS)
DEFENSE:
DE: Mike Daniels (GS)
DE: Julius Peppers (AS)
DT: Letroy Guion (PS)
LOLB: Clay Matthews (E)
ROLB: Nick Perry (AS)
ILB: A.J. Hawk (BAS)
ILB: Brad Jones (AS)
CB: Tramon Williams (AS)
CB: Sam Shields (GS)
SS: Morgan Burnett (AS)
FS: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (R)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Mason Crosby
P: Tim Masthay
Schedule:
vs. @ Seattle
vs. New York Jets
vs. @ Detroit
vs. @ Chicago
vs. Minnesota
vs. @ Miami
vs. Carolina
vs. @ New Orleans
BYE WEEK
vs. Chicago
vs. Philadelphia
vs. @ Minnesota
vs. New England
vs. Atlanta
vs. @ Buffalo
vs. @ Tampa Bay
vs. Detroit
Predicted Results: 10-6 (4-2 in division)
Team Anaylsis: The Green Bay Packers are once again favorites in my book to win the Super Bowl. That's what happens when you have the best quarterback in the NFL on your team. Say what you want about Aaron Rodgers, but the guy is hands down the best QB in the NFL at the moment (Andrew Luck is coming to take your title Aaron). He's dangerous when he puts the ball in the air and he's dangerous when he takes off with the ball as the guy is the pure definition of "play-maker". He makes everyone around him better and when you consider that this could potentially be Rodger's best team in Green Bay, than that's a scary thought. Last year's Packers offense looked much better with the emergence of rookie running back Eddie Lacy. With an extra year under his belt, Lacy is going to be hungry to eat this year and should have an even better season as he embarks on a goal to become the NFL's best running back. As for the rest of the offense, the offensive line is OK and the wide receiver unit is one of the best in the NFL. There's a pretty big need at the tight end position (Colt Lyerla had a real chance to start here before getting injured), but something tells me Rodgers and company will be fine.
On the defensive side of things, the Packers are still a little bit of a work in progress. They have one elite player (Clay Matthews) and a bunch of other guys who are just decent. Green Bay is going to have a hell of a time replacing B.J. Raji, who was just injured the other day, as they are already lacking skilled healthy players on defense. The linebacking corp isn't exactly the best in the league and the secondary needs a shot in the arm like I need a million dollars. If anything's going to hurt Green Bay's Super Bowl chances this year, something tells me it won't be Aaron Rodgers and the offense. All of the blame will likely fall squarely on this unit. I've seen some Packers fans excited about the addition of Julius Peppers, but if you think he's the same player he once was, there's a reason you aren't writing NFL previews (or at least...you shouldn't be). Green Bay's defense has been disappointing the last few seasons, but there is some hope that they can get it turned around. While I can see some improvement from these guys, it wouldn't shock me at all to see them once again cost Green Bay a chance to make some noise in the playoffs.
I've said on numerous occasions that the two things I look for in NFL teams are a great head coach and a great quarterback. If you have those two things, you have a better chance to make the NFL playoffs at the end of the year than teams that have morons running the show (Oakland). Luckily for Packers fans, Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy are two of the best in the game at their positions. It wasn't that long ago that McCarthy and Rodgers were hoisting a Lombardi trophy together and if everything falls into place correctly, the pair could once again be hoisting another trophy come February.
Head Coach: Mike McCarthy (82-45-1 all-time in Green Bay)
Last Year's Results: 8-7-1, eliminated in Wildcard Round by San Francisco 49ers
Projected Starters:
(My Player Rankings Guide:
E - Elite Starter: Franchise changing player at his position
HQ - High Quality Starter: One of the best in the game at his position
GS - Good Starter: If this guy's on your team, he's likely starting and you should be perfectly fine with it
AS - Average Starter: This guy is OK, but if possible, I'd be looking for an upgrade
BAS - Below Average Starer: This guy should not be starting, but he will because he's the best option
??? - Not enough information regarding this guy and the jury is still out on him
R - Rookie: Pretty self-explanatory
PS - Poor Starter: This guy shouldn't be starting for your football team. NO EXCUSES!)
OFFENSE:
QB: Aaron Rodgers (E)
RB: Eddie Lacy (HQ)
FB: John Kuhn (GS)
WR: Randall Cobb (GS)
WR: Jordy Nelson (HQ)
TE: Andrew Quarles (BAS)
C: J.C. Tretter (???)
RG: T.J. Lang (GS)
LG: Josh Sitton (E)
RT: Bryan Bulaga (AS)
LT: David Bakhtiari (BAS)
DEFENSE:
DE: Mike Daniels (GS)
DE: Julius Peppers (AS)
DT: Letroy Guion (PS)
LOLB: Clay Matthews (E)
ROLB: Nick Perry (AS)
ILB: A.J. Hawk (BAS)
ILB: Brad Jones (AS)
CB: Tramon Williams (AS)
CB: Sam Shields (GS)
SS: Morgan Burnett (AS)
FS: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (R)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Mason Crosby
P: Tim Masthay
Schedule:
vs. @ Seattle
vs. New York Jets
vs. @ Detroit
vs. @ Chicago
vs. Minnesota
vs. @ Miami
vs. Carolina
vs. @ New Orleans
BYE WEEK
vs. Chicago
vs. Philadelphia
vs. @ Minnesota
vs. New England
vs. Atlanta
vs. @ Buffalo
vs. @ Tampa Bay
vs. Detroit
Predicted Results: 10-6 (4-2 in division)
Team Anaylsis: The Green Bay Packers are once again favorites in my book to win the Super Bowl. That's what happens when you have the best quarterback in the NFL on your team. Say what you want about Aaron Rodgers, but the guy is hands down the best QB in the NFL at the moment (Andrew Luck is coming to take your title Aaron). He's dangerous when he puts the ball in the air and he's dangerous when he takes off with the ball as the guy is the pure definition of "play-maker". He makes everyone around him better and when you consider that this could potentially be Rodger's best team in Green Bay, than that's a scary thought. Last year's Packers offense looked much better with the emergence of rookie running back Eddie Lacy. With an extra year under his belt, Lacy is going to be hungry to eat this year and should have an even better season as he embarks on a goal to become the NFL's best running back. As for the rest of the offense, the offensive line is OK and the wide receiver unit is one of the best in the NFL. There's a pretty big need at the tight end position (Colt Lyerla had a real chance to start here before getting injured), but something tells me Rodgers and company will be fine.
On the defensive side of things, the Packers are still a little bit of a work in progress. They have one elite player (Clay Matthews) and a bunch of other guys who are just decent. Green Bay is going to have a hell of a time replacing B.J. Raji, who was just injured the other day, as they are already lacking skilled healthy players on defense. The linebacking corp isn't exactly the best in the league and the secondary needs a shot in the arm like I need a million dollars. If anything's going to hurt Green Bay's Super Bowl chances this year, something tells me it won't be Aaron Rodgers and the offense. All of the blame will likely fall squarely on this unit. I've seen some Packers fans excited about the addition of Julius Peppers, but if you think he's the same player he once was, there's a reason you aren't writing NFL previews (or at least...you shouldn't be). Green Bay's defense has been disappointing the last few seasons, but there is some hope that they can get it turned around. While I can see some improvement from these guys, it wouldn't shock me at all to see them once again cost Green Bay a chance to make some noise in the playoffs.
I've said on numerous occasions that the two things I look for in NFL teams are a great head coach and a great quarterback. If you have those two things, you have a better chance to make the NFL playoffs at the end of the year than teams that have morons running the show (Oakland). Luckily for Packers fans, Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy are two of the best in the game at their positions. It wasn't that long ago that McCarthy and Rodgers were hoisting a Lombardi trophy together and if everything falls into place correctly, the pair could once again be hoisting another trophy come February.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Dustin James' 2014-15 College Football Preview: The Others
INDEPENDENTS
1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 10-3
2. BYU Cougars: 10-3
3. Navy Midshipmen: 8-4
4. Army Black Knights: 5-8
AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
1. UCF Knights: 10-3 (6-2)
2. Cincinnati Bearcats: 9-4 (7-1)
3. East Carolina Pirates: 8-5 (7-1)
4. Memphis Tigers: 8-5 (6-2)
5. Houston Cougars: 9-4 (5-3)
6. SMU Mustangs: 7-6 (5-3)
7. Tulsa Golden Hurricane: 6-6 (4-4)
8. Tulane Green Wave: 3-9 (2-6)
9. USF Bulls: 2-10 (1-7)
10. Connecticut Huskies: 2-10 (1-7)
11. Temple Owls: 1-11 (0-8)
MOUNTAIN WEST
Mountain Division:
1. Boise State Broncos: 12-2 (9-0)
2. Utah State Aggies: 9-5 (6-2)
3. Colorado State Rams: 7-6 (5-3)
4. Air Force Falcons: 7-6 (3-5)
5. Wyoming Cowboys: 4-8 (2-6)
6. New Mexico Lobos: 3-9 (1-7)
West Division:
1. Fresno State Bulldogs: 8-6 (6-3)
2. Nevada Wolf Pack: 7-6 (6-2)
3. San Diego State Aztecs: 7-6 (5-3)
4. San Jose State Spartans: 4-8 (3-5)
5. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors: 3-10 (2-6)
6. UNLV Rebels: 2-10 (1-7)
MAC
WEST:
1. Northern Illinois Huskies: 12-2 (8-1)
2. Toledo Rockets: 9-4 (7-1)
3. Central Michigan Chippewas: 6-6 (5-3)
4. Ball State Cardinals: 5-7 (3-5)
5. Western Michigan Broncos: 2-10 (1-7)
6. Eastern Michigan Eagles: 2-10 (1-7)
EAST:
1. Bowling Green Falcons: 11-3 (7-2)
2. Ohio Bobcats: 8-5 (5-3)
3. Buffalo Bulls: 8-5 (5-3)
4. Akron Zips: 6-7 (5-3)
5. Kent State Golden Flashes: 5-7 (3-5)
6. Miami (OH) Redhawks: 2-10 (1-7)
7. Massachusetts Minutemen: 0-12 (0-8)
CONFERENCE USA:
EAST:
1. Marshall Thundering Herd: 13-1 (8-1)
2. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: 8-5 (7-1)
3. Florida Atlantic Owls: 4-8 (4-4)
4. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: 4-8 (3-5)
5. Old Dominion Monarchs: 4-8 (2-6)
6. UAB Blazers: 3-9 (1-7)
7. FIU Golden Panthers: 2-10 (0-8)
WEST:
1. UTSA Road Runners: 11-3 (9-0)
2. North Texas Mean Green: 8-5 (7-1)
3. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: 8-5 (6-2)
4. Rice Owls: 7-6 (4-4)
5. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles: 4-8 (2-6)
6. UTEP Miners: 1-11 (0-8)
SUN BELT
1. Louisiana Ragin Cajuns: 9-4 (7-1)
2. Arkansas State Red Wolves: 8-5 (7-1)
3. ULM Warhawks: 7-6 (7-1)
4. South Alabama Jaguars: 6-7 (6-2)
5. Troy Trojans: 6-6 (5-3)
6. Texas State Bobcats: 4-8 (3-5)
7. Georgia Southern Eagles: 4-8 (3-5)
8. Idaho Vandals: 3-9 (2-6)
9. New Mexico State Aggies: 3-9 (2-6)
10. Appalachian State Mountaineers: 2-10 (1-7)
11. Georgia State Panthers: 2-10 (1-7)
1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 10-3
2. BYU Cougars: 10-3
3. Navy Midshipmen: 8-4
4. Army Black Knights: 5-8
AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
1. UCF Knights: 10-3 (6-2)
2. Cincinnati Bearcats: 9-4 (7-1)
3. East Carolina Pirates: 8-5 (7-1)
4. Memphis Tigers: 8-5 (6-2)
5. Houston Cougars: 9-4 (5-3)
6. SMU Mustangs: 7-6 (5-3)
7. Tulsa Golden Hurricane: 6-6 (4-4)
8. Tulane Green Wave: 3-9 (2-6)
9. USF Bulls: 2-10 (1-7)
10. Connecticut Huskies: 2-10 (1-7)
11. Temple Owls: 1-11 (0-8)
MOUNTAIN WEST
Mountain Division:
1. Boise State Broncos: 12-2 (9-0)
2. Utah State Aggies: 9-5 (6-2)
3. Colorado State Rams: 7-6 (5-3)
4. Air Force Falcons: 7-6 (3-5)
5. Wyoming Cowboys: 4-8 (2-6)
6. New Mexico Lobos: 3-9 (1-7)
West Division:
1. Fresno State Bulldogs: 8-6 (6-3)
2. Nevada Wolf Pack: 7-6 (6-2)
3. San Diego State Aztecs: 7-6 (5-3)
4. San Jose State Spartans: 4-8 (3-5)
5. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors: 3-10 (2-6)
6. UNLV Rebels: 2-10 (1-7)
MAC
WEST:
1. Northern Illinois Huskies: 12-2 (8-1)
2. Toledo Rockets: 9-4 (7-1)
3. Central Michigan Chippewas: 6-6 (5-3)
4. Ball State Cardinals: 5-7 (3-5)
5. Western Michigan Broncos: 2-10 (1-7)
6. Eastern Michigan Eagles: 2-10 (1-7)
EAST:
1. Bowling Green Falcons: 11-3 (7-2)
2. Ohio Bobcats: 8-5 (5-3)
3. Buffalo Bulls: 8-5 (5-3)
4. Akron Zips: 6-7 (5-3)
5. Kent State Golden Flashes: 5-7 (3-5)
6. Miami (OH) Redhawks: 2-10 (1-7)
7. Massachusetts Minutemen: 0-12 (0-8)
CONFERENCE USA:
EAST:
1. Marshall Thundering Herd: 13-1 (8-1)
2. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: 8-5 (7-1)
3. Florida Atlantic Owls: 4-8 (4-4)
4. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: 4-8 (3-5)
5. Old Dominion Monarchs: 4-8 (2-6)
6. UAB Blazers: 3-9 (1-7)
7. FIU Golden Panthers: 2-10 (0-8)
WEST:
1. UTSA Road Runners: 11-3 (9-0)
2. North Texas Mean Green: 8-5 (7-1)
3. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: 8-5 (6-2)
4. Rice Owls: 7-6 (4-4)
5. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles: 4-8 (2-6)
6. UTEP Miners: 1-11 (0-8)
SUN BELT
1. Louisiana Ragin Cajuns: 9-4 (7-1)
2. Arkansas State Red Wolves: 8-5 (7-1)
3. ULM Warhawks: 7-6 (7-1)
4. South Alabama Jaguars: 6-7 (6-2)
5. Troy Trojans: 6-6 (5-3)
6. Texas State Bobcats: 4-8 (3-5)
7. Georgia Southern Eagles: 4-8 (3-5)
8. Idaho Vandals: 3-9 (2-6)
9. New Mexico State Aggies: 3-9 (2-6)
10. Appalachian State Mountaineers: 2-10 (1-7)
11. Georgia State Panthers: 2-10 (1-7)
Dustin James' 2014-15 College Football Preview: BIG 12
BIG 12
1. Oklahoma Sooners- 12-1 (9-0)
Last Year's Record: 11-2
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Sugar Bowl against Alabama
Toughest Games: @ TCU (October 4), Texas (October 11), Baylor (November 8), @ Texas Tech (November 15)
Key Players: Trevor Knight (QB), Keith Ford (RB), Sterling Shephard (WR), Taylot McNamara (TE), Blake Bell (TE), Adam Shead (LG), Daryl Williams (RT), Tyrus Thompson (LT), Chuka Ndulue (DE), Jordan Phillips (DT), Charles Tapper (DE), Frank Shannon (LB), Dominique Alexander (LB), Geneo Grissom (LB), Eric Striker (LB), Zack Sanchez (CB), Julian Wilson (CB), Quentin Hayes (FS), Micheal Hunnicutt (K), Jed Barnett (P)
Head Coach: Bob Stoops (160-39 all-time at Oklahoma, 160-39 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: PLAYOFFS: Rose Bowl vs. Alabama (L)
2. Texas Longhorns- 11-2 (8-1)
Last Year's Record: 8-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Alamo Bowl to Oregon
Toughest Games: BYU (September 6), UCLA (September 13), Baylor (October 4), Oklahoma (October 11), @ Kansas State (October 25), @ Texas Tech (November 1), @ Oklahoma State (November 15), TCU (November 27)
Key Players: David Ash (QB), Malcolm Brown (RB), Jonathan Gray (RB), Kendall Sanders (WR), Jaxon Shipley (WR), Geoff Swaim (TE), Dominic Espinosa (C), Kent Perkins (OG), Kennedy Estelle (RT), Cedric Reed (DE), Malcolm Brown (DT), Peter Jinkens (LB), Steve Edmond (LB), Jordan Hicks (LB), Quandre Diggs (CB), Duke Thomas (CB), Mykkele Thompson (SS), Dale Johnson (PR)
Head Coach: Charlie Strong (0-0 all-time at Texas, 37-16 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Cotton Bowl vs. Notre Dame (W)
3. Baylor Bears- 10-3 (7-2)
Last Year's Record: 11-2
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Fiesta Bowl to UCF
Toughest Games: @ Texas (October 4), TCU (October 11), @ Oklahoma (November 8), Kansas State (December 6)
Key Players: Bryce Petty (QB), Antwan Goodley (WR), Levi Norwood (WR), Corey Coleman (WR), Desmine Hilliard (RG), Spencer Drango (LT), Troy Baker (OT), Shawn Oakman (DL), Beau Blackshear (DT), Andrew Billings (DT), Jamal Palmer (DL), Brye Hager (LB), Terrell Burt (S), Spencer Roth (P)
Head Coach: Art Briles (44-32 all-time at Baylor, 78-60 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Alamo Bowl vs. UCLA (L)
4. TCU Horned Frogs- 10-3 (6-3)
Last Year's Record: 4-8
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Oklahoma (October 4), @ Baylor (October 11), @ Texas (November 27)
Key Players: Matt Joeckel (QB), Aaron Green (RB), Trevone Boykin (WR), Ja'Juan Story (WR), Josh Doctson (WR), David Porter (WR), Joey Hunt (C), Joseph Noteboom (RT), Halapoulivaati Vaitai (LT), Davion Pierson (DT), Chucky Hunter (DT), Devonte Fields (DE), Paul Dawson (LB), Jonathan Anderson (LB), Sam Carter (SS), Kevin White (CB), Chris Hackett (S), Jaden Oberkrom (K), Ethan Perry (P), B.J. Catalon (KR), Cameron Echols-Luper (PR)
Head Coach: Gary Patterson (120-44 all-time at TCU, 120-44 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Texas Bowl vs. Mississippi State (W)
5. Kansas State Wildcats- 7-6 (5-4)
Last Year's Record: 8-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against Michigan
Toughest Games: Auburn (September 18), @ Oklahoma (October 18), Texas (October 25), @ TCU (November 8), @ Baylor (December 6)
Key Players: Jake Waters (QB), Tyler Lockett (WR), Curry Sexton (WR), Zach Trujillo (TE), B.J. Finney (C), Cody Whitehair (LG), Ryan Mueller (DE), Travis Britz (DT), Terrell Clinkscales (DL), Jonathan Truman (LB), Randall Evans (CB), Dante Barnett (SS), Jack Cantele (K)
Head Coach: Bill Snyder (178-90-1 all-time at Kansas State, 178-90-1 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Heart of Dallas Bowl vs. Marshall (L)
6. Oklahoma State Cowboys- 7-6 (4-5)
Last Year's Record: 10-3
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Cotton Bowl to Missouri
Toughest Games: Florida State (August 30), @ TCU (October 18), @ Kansas State (November 1), Texas (November 15), @ Baylor (November 15), @ Oklahoma (December 6)
Key Players: Desmond Roland (RB), JhaJuan Seales (WR), Chris Grisbhy (LG), Daniel Koenig (LT), James Castleman (DT), Jimmy Bean (DE), Ryan Simmons (LB), Kevin Peterson (CB), Ben Grogan (K), Kip Smith (P)
Head Coach: Mike Gundy (77-38 all-time at Oklahoma State, 77-38 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Liberty Bowl vs. Tennessee (W)
7. Texas Tech Red Raiders- 7-6 (3-6)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Holiday Bowl against Arizona State
Toughest Games: Arkansas (September 13), @ Oklahoma State (September 25), @ Kansas State (October 4), @ TCU (October 25), Texas (November 1), Oklahoma (November 15), Baylor (November 29)
Key Players: Davis Webb (QB), DeAndre Washington (RB), Bradley Marquez (WR), Jakeem Grant (WR), Jared Kaster (C), Trey Keenan (RG), Alfredo Morales (LG), Rashad Fortenberry (RT), Le'Raven Clark (LT), Branden Jackson (DE), Pete Robertson (DL), Sam Eguavoen (LB), Keenon Ward (S), Ryan Bustin (K), Reginald Davis (KR)
Head Coach: Kliff Kingsbury (8-5 all-time at Texas Tech, 8-5 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl vs. Air Force (W)
8. Kansas Jayhawks- 3-9 (1-8)
Last Year's Record: 3-9
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: @ Duke (September 13), Texas (September 27), Oklahoma State (October 11), @ Texas Tech (October 18), @ Baylor (November 1), TCU (November 15), @ Oklahoma (November 22), @ Kansas State (November 29)
Key Players: Montell Cozart (QB), Tony Pierson (WR), Nick Harwell (WR), Rodriguez Coleman (WR), Jimmay Mundine (TE), Mike Smithburg (RG), Ngalu Fusimalohi (LG), Pat Lewandowski (LT), Ben Goodman (DE), Keon Stowers (DT), Michael Reynolds (DE), Jake Love (LB), Ben Heeney (LB), JaCorey Shepherd (LB), Dexter McDonald (CB), Isaiah Johnson (SS), Cassius Sendish (FS), Trevor Pardula (P)
Head Coach: Charlie Weis (4-20 all-time at Kansas, 39-47 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
9. Iowa State Cyclones- 3-9 (1-8)
Last Year's Record: 3-9
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Kansas State (Septemeber 6), @ Iowa (September 13), Baylor (September 27), @ Oklahoma State (October 4), Toledo (October 11), @ Texas (October 18), Oklahoma (November 1), Texas Tech (November 22), @ TCU (December 6)
Key Players: Grant Rohach (QB), Aaron Wimberly (RB), D'Vario Montgomery (WR), Quenton Bundrage (WR), E.J. Bibbs (TE), Tom Farniok (C), Daniel Burton (RG), Oni Omoile (LG), Jacob Gannon (RT), Brock Dagel (LT), Brandon Jensen (DT), Cory Morrisey (DE), Luke Knott (LB), Jared Brackens (LB), Sam Richardson (CB), Cole Netten (K)
Head Coach: Paul Rhoads (27-36 all-time at Iowa State, 27-36 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
10. West Virginia Mountaineers- 2-10 (1-8)
Last Year's Record: 4-8
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Alabama (August 30), @ Maryland (September 13), Oklahoma (September 20), @ Texas Tech (October 11), Baylor (October 18), @ Oklahoma State (October 25), TCU (November 1), @ Texas (November 8), Kansas State (November 20)
Key Players: Clint Trickett (QB), Rushel Shell (RB), Wendell Smallwood (WR), Mario Alford (WR), Kevin White (WR), Mark Glowinski (RG), Quinton Spain (LG), Kyle Rose (DT), Brandon Golson (LB), Isaiah Bruce (LB), Nick Kwiatkoski (LB), K.J. Dillon (LB), Ishmael Banks (CB), Daryl Worley (CB), Karl Joseph (S), Josh Lambert (K), Nick O'Toole (P)
Head Coach: Dana Holgorsen (21-17 all-time at West Virginia, 21-17 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
1. Oklahoma Sooners- 12-1 (9-0)
Last Year's Record: 11-2
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Sugar Bowl against Alabama
Toughest Games: @ TCU (October 4), Texas (October 11), Baylor (November 8), @ Texas Tech (November 15)
Key Players: Trevor Knight (QB), Keith Ford (RB), Sterling Shephard (WR), Taylot McNamara (TE), Blake Bell (TE), Adam Shead (LG), Daryl Williams (RT), Tyrus Thompson (LT), Chuka Ndulue (DE), Jordan Phillips (DT), Charles Tapper (DE), Frank Shannon (LB), Dominique Alexander (LB), Geneo Grissom (LB), Eric Striker (LB), Zack Sanchez (CB), Julian Wilson (CB), Quentin Hayes (FS), Micheal Hunnicutt (K), Jed Barnett (P)
Head Coach: Bob Stoops (160-39 all-time at Oklahoma, 160-39 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: PLAYOFFS: Rose Bowl vs. Alabama (L)
2. Texas Longhorns- 11-2 (8-1)
Last Year's Record: 8-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Alamo Bowl to Oregon
Toughest Games: BYU (September 6), UCLA (September 13), Baylor (October 4), Oklahoma (October 11), @ Kansas State (October 25), @ Texas Tech (November 1), @ Oklahoma State (November 15), TCU (November 27)
Key Players: David Ash (QB), Malcolm Brown (RB), Jonathan Gray (RB), Kendall Sanders (WR), Jaxon Shipley (WR), Geoff Swaim (TE), Dominic Espinosa (C), Kent Perkins (OG), Kennedy Estelle (RT), Cedric Reed (DE), Malcolm Brown (DT), Peter Jinkens (LB), Steve Edmond (LB), Jordan Hicks (LB), Quandre Diggs (CB), Duke Thomas (CB), Mykkele Thompson (SS), Dale Johnson (PR)
Head Coach: Charlie Strong (0-0 all-time at Texas, 37-16 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Cotton Bowl vs. Notre Dame (W)
3. Baylor Bears- 10-3 (7-2)
Last Year's Record: 11-2
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Fiesta Bowl to UCF
Toughest Games: @ Texas (October 4), TCU (October 11), @ Oklahoma (November 8), Kansas State (December 6)
Key Players: Bryce Petty (QB), Antwan Goodley (WR), Levi Norwood (WR), Corey Coleman (WR), Desmine Hilliard (RG), Spencer Drango (LT), Troy Baker (OT), Shawn Oakman (DL), Beau Blackshear (DT), Andrew Billings (DT), Jamal Palmer (DL), Brye Hager (LB), Terrell Burt (S), Spencer Roth (P)
Head Coach: Art Briles (44-32 all-time at Baylor, 78-60 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Alamo Bowl vs. UCLA (L)
4. TCU Horned Frogs- 10-3 (6-3)
Last Year's Record: 4-8
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Oklahoma (October 4), @ Baylor (October 11), @ Texas (November 27)
Key Players: Matt Joeckel (QB), Aaron Green (RB), Trevone Boykin (WR), Ja'Juan Story (WR), Josh Doctson (WR), David Porter (WR), Joey Hunt (C), Joseph Noteboom (RT), Halapoulivaati Vaitai (LT), Davion Pierson (DT), Chucky Hunter (DT), Devonte Fields (DE), Paul Dawson (LB), Jonathan Anderson (LB), Sam Carter (SS), Kevin White (CB), Chris Hackett (S), Jaden Oberkrom (K), Ethan Perry (P), B.J. Catalon (KR), Cameron Echols-Luper (PR)
Head Coach: Gary Patterson (120-44 all-time at TCU, 120-44 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Texas Bowl vs. Mississippi State (W)
5. Kansas State Wildcats- 7-6 (5-4)
Last Year's Record: 8-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against Michigan
Toughest Games: Auburn (September 18), @ Oklahoma (October 18), Texas (October 25), @ TCU (November 8), @ Baylor (December 6)
Key Players: Jake Waters (QB), Tyler Lockett (WR), Curry Sexton (WR), Zach Trujillo (TE), B.J. Finney (C), Cody Whitehair (LG), Ryan Mueller (DE), Travis Britz (DT), Terrell Clinkscales (DL), Jonathan Truman (LB), Randall Evans (CB), Dante Barnett (SS), Jack Cantele (K)
Head Coach: Bill Snyder (178-90-1 all-time at Kansas State, 178-90-1 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Heart of Dallas Bowl vs. Marshall (L)
6. Oklahoma State Cowboys- 7-6 (4-5)
Last Year's Record: 10-3
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Cotton Bowl to Missouri
Toughest Games: Florida State (August 30), @ TCU (October 18), @ Kansas State (November 1), Texas (November 15), @ Baylor (November 15), @ Oklahoma (December 6)
Key Players: Desmond Roland (RB), JhaJuan Seales (WR), Chris Grisbhy (LG), Daniel Koenig (LT), James Castleman (DT), Jimmy Bean (DE), Ryan Simmons (LB), Kevin Peterson (CB), Ben Grogan (K), Kip Smith (P)
Head Coach: Mike Gundy (77-38 all-time at Oklahoma State, 77-38 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Liberty Bowl vs. Tennessee (W)
7. Texas Tech Red Raiders- 7-6 (3-6)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Holiday Bowl against Arizona State
Toughest Games: Arkansas (September 13), @ Oklahoma State (September 25), @ Kansas State (October 4), @ TCU (October 25), Texas (November 1), Oklahoma (November 15), Baylor (November 29)
Key Players: Davis Webb (QB), DeAndre Washington (RB), Bradley Marquez (WR), Jakeem Grant (WR), Jared Kaster (C), Trey Keenan (RG), Alfredo Morales (LG), Rashad Fortenberry (RT), Le'Raven Clark (LT), Branden Jackson (DE), Pete Robertson (DL), Sam Eguavoen (LB), Keenon Ward (S), Ryan Bustin (K), Reginald Davis (KR)
Head Coach: Kliff Kingsbury (8-5 all-time at Texas Tech, 8-5 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl vs. Air Force (W)
8. Kansas Jayhawks- 3-9 (1-8)
Last Year's Record: 3-9
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: @ Duke (September 13), Texas (September 27), Oklahoma State (October 11), @ Texas Tech (October 18), @ Baylor (November 1), TCU (November 15), @ Oklahoma (November 22), @ Kansas State (November 29)
Key Players: Montell Cozart (QB), Tony Pierson (WR), Nick Harwell (WR), Rodriguez Coleman (WR), Jimmay Mundine (TE), Mike Smithburg (RG), Ngalu Fusimalohi (LG), Pat Lewandowski (LT), Ben Goodman (DE), Keon Stowers (DT), Michael Reynolds (DE), Jake Love (LB), Ben Heeney (LB), JaCorey Shepherd (LB), Dexter McDonald (CB), Isaiah Johnson (SS), Cassius Sendish (FS), Trevor Pardula (P)
Head Coach: Charlie Weis (4-20 all-time at Kansas, 39-47 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
9. Iowa State Cyclones- 3-9 (1-8)
Last Year's Record: 3-9
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Kansas State (Septemeber 6), @ Iowa (September 13), Baylor (September 27), @ Oklahoma State (October 4), Toledo (October 11), @ Texas (October 18), Oklahoma (November 1), Texas Tech (November 22), @ TCU (December 6)
Key Players: Grant Rohach (QB), Aaron Wimberly (RB), D'Vario Montgomery (WR), Quenton Bundrage (WR), E.J. Bibbs (TE), Tom Farniok (C), Daniel Burton (RG), Oni Omoile (LG), Jacob Gannon (RT), Brock Dagel (LT), Brandon Jensen (DT), Cory Morrisey (DE), Luke Knott (LB), Jared Brackens (LB), Sam Richardson (CB), Cole Netten (K)
Head Coach: Paul Rhoads (27-36 all-time at Iowa State, 27-36 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
10. West Virginia Mountaineers- 2-10 (1-8)
Last Year's Record: 4-8
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Alabama (August 30), @ Maryland (September 13), Oklahoma (September 20), @ Texas Tech (October 11), Baylor (October 18), @ Oklahoma State (October 25), TCU (November 1), @ Texas (November 8), Kansas State (November 20)
Key Players: Clint Trickett (QB), Rushel Shell (RB), Wendell Smallwood (WR), Mario Alford (WR), Kevin White (WR), Mark Glowinski (RG), Quinton Spain (LG), Kyle Rose (DT), Brandon Golson (LB), Isaiah Bruce (LB), Nick Kwiatkoski (LB), K.J. Dillon (LB), Ishmael Banks (CB), Daryl Worley (CB), Karl Joseph (S), Josh Lambert (K), Nick O'Toole (P)
Head Coach: Dana Holgorsen (21-17 all-time at West Virginia, 21-17 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
Dustin James' 2014-15 College Football Preview: ACC
ACC
Atlantic Division:
1. Florida State Seminoles- 15-0 (9-0)
Last Year's Record: 14-0
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the BCS Championship against Auburn
Toughest Games: Oklahoma State (August 30), Clemson (September 20), Notre Dame (October 18), @ Louisville (October 30), @ Miami (November 15), Florida (November 29)
Key Players: Jameis Winston (QB), Karlos Williams (RB), Rashad Greene (WR), Isaiah Jones (WR), Nick O'Leary (TE), Tre Jackson (RG), Josue Matias (LG), Bobby Hart (RT), Cameron Erving (LT), Chris Casher (DE), Eddie Goldman (DT), Mario Edwards (DE), Reggie Northrup (LB), Terrance Smith (LB), P.J. Williams (CB), Ronald Darby (CB), Jalen Ramsey (FS), Roberto Aguayo (K), Cason Beatty (P), Kermit Whitfield (KR)
Head Coach: Jimbo Fisher (45-10 all-time at Florida State, 45-10 all-time)
Conference Championship: vs. Virginia Tech (W)
Bowl Prediction: PLAYOFFS: Sugar Bowl vs. Oregon (W)
National Championship: vs. Alabama (W)
2. Clemson Tigers- 9-4 (7-1)
Last Year's Record: 11-2
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Orange Bowl against Ohio State
Toughest Games: @ Georgia (August 30), @ Florida State (September 20), North Carolina (September 27), Louisville (October 11), South Carolina (November 29)
Key Players: Wayne Gallman (RB), Charone Peake (WR), Adam Humphries (WR), Jordan Leggett (TE), Ryan Norton (C), Eric Mac Lain (LG), Kalon Davis (RT), Vic Beasley (DE), Grady Jarrett (DT), D.J. Reader (DT), Corey Crawford (DE), Tony Steward (LB), Stephone Anthony (LB), Robert Smith (SS), Jayron Kearse (FS), Bradley Pinion (P)
Head Coach: Dabo Swinney (51-23 all-time at Clemson, 51-23 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Belk Bowl vs. Auburn (L)
3. Louisville Cardinals- 9-4 (5-3)
Last Year's Record: 12-1
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Russell Athletic Bowl against Miami
Toughest Games: Miami (September 1), @ Syracuse (October 3), @ Clemson (October 11), Florida State (October 30), @ Notre Dame (November 22)
Key Players: Will Gardner (QB), Dominique Brown (RB), DeVante Parker (WR), Gerald Christian (TE), Jake Smith (C), John Miller (LG), Ryan Mack (RT), Jamon Brown (LT), Lorenzo Mauldin (DE), James Burgess (LB), Terell Floyd (CB), Charles Gaines (CB), John Wallace (K), Ryan Johnson (P)
Head Coach: Bobby Petrino (41-9 all-time at Louisville, 83-30 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: St. Petersburg Bowl vs. UCF (W)
4. Syracuse Orange- 9-4 (5-3)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Texas Bowl against Minnesota
Toughest Games: Maryland (September 20), Notre Dame (September 27), Louisville (October 3), Florida State (October 11), @ Clemson (October 25), @ Pittsburgh (November 22)
Key Players: Terrel Hunt (QB), Brisly Estime (WR), Ashton Broyld (WR), Jarrod West (WR), Nick Robinson (RG), Rob Trudo (LG), Ivan Foy (RT), Sean Hickey (LT), Robert Welsh (DE), Eric Crume (DT), Ron Thompson (DE), Cameron Lynch (LB), Dyshawn Davis (LB), Brandon Reddish (CB), Durell Eskridge (FS), Ross Krautman (K), Riley Dixon (P)
Head Coach: Scott Shafer (7-6 all-time at Syracuse, 7-6 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Pinstripe Bowl vs. Illinois (W)
5. NC State Wolfpack- 7-5 (3-5)
Last Year's Record: 3-9
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Florida State (September 27), @ Clemson (October 4), @ Lousiville (October 18), @ Syracuse (November 1), @ North Carolina (November 29)
Key Players: Shadrach Thornton (RB), Bryan Underwood (WR), David Grinnage (TE), Quinton Schooley (C), Alex Barr (RG), Tyson Chandler (RT), Joe Thuney (LT), Thomas Teal (DT), Monty Nelson (DT), Art Norman (DE), Brandon Pittman (LB), Juston Burris (CB), Jack Tocho (CB), Hakim Jones (SS), Niklas Sade (K), Wil Baumann (P)
Head Coach: Dave Doeren (3-9 all-time at N.C. State, 26-13 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Music City Bowl vs. Memphis (W)
6. Wake Forest Demon Deacons- 5-7 (1-7)
Last Year's Record: 4-8
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: @ Utah State (September 13), @ Louisville (September 27), @ Florida State (October 4), Syracuse (October 18), Clemson (November 6), @ NC State (November 15), Virginia Tech (November 22), @ Duke (November 29)
Key Players: Jared Crump (WR), Tyree Harris (WR), Cory Helms (C), Tyler Hayworth (RG), Dylan Intemann (RT), Brandon Chubb (LB), Hunter Williams (LB), Kevin Johnson (CB), Merrill Noel (CB), Ryan Janvion (SS), Chad Hedlund (K), Alex Kinal (P)
Head Coach: Dave Clawson (0-0 all-time at Wake Forest, 32-31 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
7. Boston College Eagles- 3-9 (0-8)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the AdvoCare V100 Bowl to Arizona
Toughest Games: Pittsburgh (September 5), USC (September 13), @ NC State (October 11), Clemson (October 18), @ Wake Forest (October 25), @ Virginia Tech (November 1), Louisville (November 8), @ Florida State (November 22), Syracuse (November 29)
Key Players: Andy Gallik (C), Harris Williams (RG), Bobby Vardaro (LG), Connor Wujciak (DT), Steven Daniels (LB), Manuel Asprilla (CB), Bryce Jones (CB), Dominique Williams (SS), Sean Sylvia (FS)
Head Coach: Steve Addazio (7-6 all-time at Boston College, 20-17 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
Coastal Division:
1. Virginia Tech Hokies- 10-4 (7-2)
Last Year's Record: 8-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Sun Bowl against UCLA
Toughest Games: @ Ohio State (September 6), @ North Carolina (October 4), @ Pittsburgh (October 16), Miami (October 23)
Key Players: Trey Edmunds (RB), Demitri Knowles (WR), Joshua Stanford (WR), Willie Byrn (WR), Ryan Malleck (TE), David Wang (C), Brent Bendict (RG), Caleb Farris (LG), Jonathan McLaughlin (LT), Luther Maddy (DT), Brandon Facyson (CB), Kendall Fuller (CB), Kyshoen Jarrett (S), Detrick Bonner (FS), A.J. Hughes (P)
Head Coach: Frank Beamer (224-109-2 all-time at Virginia Tech, 224-109-2 all-time)
Conference Championship: vs. Florida State (L)
Bowl Prediction: Capital One Bowl vs. LSU (L)
2. North Carolina Tar Heels- 9-4 (6-2)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Belk Bowl against Cincinnati
Toughest Games: @ Clemson (September 27), Virginia Tech (October 4), @ Notre Dame (October 11), @ Miami (November 1)
Key Players: Marquise Williams (QB), T.J. Logan (RB), Quinshad Davis (WR), T.J. Thorpe (WR), Jack Tabb (TE), Landon Turner (RG), Caleb Peterson (LG), Jon Heck (RT), Ethan Farmer (DT), Norkeithus Otis (DL), Travis Hughes (LB), Darius Lipford (LB), Malik Simmons (LB), Dominique Green (SS), Tim Scott (FS), Thomas Moore (K), Tommy Hibbard (P), Ryan Switzer (KR)
Head Coach: Larry Fedora (15-10 all-time at North Carolina, 49-29 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Detroit Bowl vs. Michigan (L)
3. Pittsburgh Panthers- 9-4 (5-3)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Little Casear's Bowl against Bowling Green
Toughest Games: Iowa (September 20), Virginia Tech (October 16), @ North Carolina (November 15), Syracuse (November 22), @ Miami (November 29)
Key Players: James Conner (RB), Manasseh Garner (WR), Tyler Boyd (WR), J.P. Holtz (TE), Artie Rowell (C), Matt Rotheram (RG), T.J. Clemmings (RT), Adam Bisnowaty (LT), David Durham (DE), Anthony Gonzalez (LB), Todd Thomas (LB), Lafayette Pitts (CB), Ray Vinopal (FS), Chris Blewitt (K)
Head Coach: Paul Chryst (13-13 all-time at Pittsburgh, 13-13 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Sun Bowl vs. Stanford (L)
4. Miami Hurricanes - 9-4 (5-3)
Last Year's Record: 9-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Russell Athletic Bowl to Louisville
Toughest Games: @ Louisville (September 1), @ Nebraska (September 20), Cincinnati (October 11), @ Virginia Tech (October 23), North Carolina (November 1), Florida State (November 15)
Key Players: Duke Johnson (RB), Malcolm Lewis (WR), Stacy Coley (WR), Phillip Dorsett (WR), Clive Walford (TE), Shane McDermott (C), Jon Feliciano (LG), Ereck Flowers (LT), Anthony Chickillo (DE), Olsen Pierre (DT), Denzel Perryman (LB), Thurston Armbrister (LB), LaDarius Gunter (CB), Tracy Howard (CB), Rayshawn Jenkins (S), Matt Goudis (K)
Head Coach: Al Golden (22-15 all-time at Miami, 49-49 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Independence Bowl vs. Texas A&M (W)
5. Duke Blue Devils- 7-6 (2-6)
Last Year's Record: 10-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Chick-Fil-A Bowl to Texas A&M
Toughest Games: @ Miami (September 27), @ Georgia Tech (October 11), @ Pittsburgh (November 1), @ Syracuse (November 8), Virginia Tech (November 15), North Carolina (November 20)
Key Players: Anthony Boone (QB), Josh Snead (RB), Jamison Crowder (WR), Max McCaffrey (WR), Braxton Deaver (TE), Matt Skura (C), Laken Tomlinson (RG), Takoby Cofield (LT), Jamal Bruce (NG), Kelby Brown (LB), David Helton (LB), Deondre Singleton (LB), DeVon Edwards (S), Jeremy Cash (S), Ross Martin (K), Will Monday (P)
Head Coach: David Cutcliffe (31-44 all-time at Duke, 75-73 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Russell Athletic Bowl vs. ULM (W)
6. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets- 5-7 (2-6)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Music City Bowl to Ole Miss
Toughest Games: @ Virginia Tech (September 20), Miami (October 4), @ North Carolina (October 18), @ Pittsburgh (October 25), @ NC State (November 8), Clemson (November 15), @ Georgia (November 29)
Key Players: Synjyn Davis (RB), Michael Summers (WR), DeAndre Smelter (WR), Shaquille Mason (RG), Trey Braun (LG), Bryan Chamberlain (LT), Adam Gotsis (DT), Quayshawn Nealy (LB), Demond Smith (DB), D.J. White (CB), Isaiah Johnson (S), Harrison Butker (K)
Head Coach: Paul Johnson (48-32 all-time at Georgia Tech, 93-61 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
7. Virginia Cavaliers- 2-10 (0-8)
Last Year's Record: 2-10
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: UCLA (August 30), Louisville (September 13), @ BYU (September 20), Pittsburgh (October 4), @ Duke (October 18), North Carolina (October 25), @ Georgia Tech (November 1), @ Florida State (November 8), Miami (November 22), @ Virginia Tech (November 28)
Key Players: Greyson Lambert (QB), Kevin Parks (RB), Darius Jennings (WR), Keeon Johnson (WR), Zachary Swanson (TE), Conner Davis (LG), Eric Smith (RT), Jay Whitmire (LT), Andrew Brown (DT), David Dean (DT), Eli Harold (DE), Max Valles (LB), Henry Coley (LB), Daquan Romero (LB), Maurice Canady (CB), Demetrious Nicholson (CB), Anthony Harris (S), Brandon Phelps (S), Ian Frye (K), Alec Vozenilek (P)
Head Coach: Mike London (18-31 all-time at Virginia, 18-31 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
Atlantic Division:
1. Florida State Seminoles- 15-0 (9-0)
Last Year's Record: 14-0
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the BCS Championship against Auburn
Toughest Games: Oklahoma State (August 30), Clemson (September 20), Notre Dame (October 18), @ Louisville (October 30), @ Miami (November 15), Florida (November 29)
Key Players: Jameis Winston (QB), Karlos Williams (RB), Rashad Greene (WR), Isaiah Jones (WR), Nick O'Leary (TE), Tre Jackson (RG), Josue Matias (LG), Bobby Hart (RT), Cameron Erving (LT), Chris Casher (DE), Eddie Goldman (DT), Mario Edwards (DE), Reggie Northrup (LB), Terrance Smith (LB), P.J. Williams (CB), Ronald Darby (CB), Jalen Ramsey (FS), Roberto Aguayo (K), Cason Beatty (P), Kermit Whitfield (KR)
Head Coach: Jimbo Fisher (45-10 all-time at Florida State, 45-10 all-time)
Conference Championship: vs. Virginia Tech (W)
Bowl Prediction: PLAYOFFS: Sugar Bowl vs. Oregon (W)
National Championship: vs. Alabama (W)
2. Clemson Tigers- 9-4 (7-1)
Last Year's Record: 11-2
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Orange Bowl against Ohio State
Toughest Games: @ Georgia (August 30), @ Florida State (September 20), North Carolina (September 27), Louisville (October 11), South Carolina (November 29)
Key Players: Wayne Gallman (RB), Charone Peake (WR), Adam Humphries (WR), Jordan Leggett (TE), Ryan Norton (C), Eric Mac Lain (LG), Kalon Davis (RT), Vic Beasley (DE), Grady Jarrett (DT), D.J. Reader (DT), Corey Crawford (DE), Tony Steward (LB), Stephone Anthony (LB), Robert Smith (SS), Jayron Kearse (FS), Bradley Pinion (P)
Head Coach: Dabo Swinney (51-23 all-time at Clemson, 51-23 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Belk Bowl vs. Auburn (L)
3. Louisville Cardinals- 9-4 (5-3)
Last Year's Record: 12-1
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Russell Athletic Bowl against Miami
Toughest Games: Miami (September 1), @ Syracuse (October 3), @ Clemson (October 11), Florida State (October 30), @ Notre Dame (November 22)
Key Players: Will Gardner (QB), Dominique Brown (RB), DeVante Parker (WR), Gerald Christian (TE), Jake Smith (C), John Miller (LG), Ryan Mack (RT), Jamon Brown (LT), Lorenzo Mauldin (DE), James Burgess (LB), Terell Floyd (CB), Charles Gaines (CB), John Wallace (K), Ryan Johnson (P)
Head Coach: Bobby Petrino (41-9 all-time at Louisville, 83-30 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: St. Petersburg Bowl vs. UCF (W)
4. Syracuse Orange- 9-4 (5-3)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Texas Bowl against Minnesota
Toughest Games: Maryland (September 20), Notre Dame (September 27), Louisville (October 3), Florida State (October 11), @ Clemson (October 25), @ Pittsburgh (November 22)
Key Players: Terrel Hunt (QB), Brisly Estime (WR), Ashton Broyld (WR), Jarrod West (WR), Nick Robinson (RG), Rob Trudo (LG), Ivan Foy (RT), Sean Hickey (LT), Robert Welsh (DE), Eric Crume (DT), Ron Thompson (DE), Cameron Lynch (LB), Dyshawn Davis (LB), Brandon Reddish (CB), Durell Eskridge (FS), Ross Krautman (K), Riley Dixon (P)
Head Coach: Scott Shafer (7-6 all-time at Syracuse, 7-6 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Pinstripe Bowl vs. Illinois (W)
5. NC State Wolfpack- 7-5 (3-5)
Last Year's Record: 3-9
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Florida State (September 27), @ Clemson (October 4), @ Lousiville (October 18), @ Syracuse (November 1), @ North Carolina (November 29)
Key Players: Shadrach Thornton (RB), Bryan Underwood (WR), David Grinnage (TE), Quinton Schooley (C), Alex Barr (RG), Tyson Chandler (RT), Joe Thuney (LT), Thomas Teal (DT), Monty Nelson (DT), Art Norman (DE), Brandon Pittman (LB), Juston Burris (CB), Jack Tocho (CB), Hakim Jones (SS), Niklas Sade (K), Wil Baumann (P)
Head Coach: Dave Doeren (3-9 all-time at N.C. State, 26-13 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Music City Bowl vs. Memphis (W)
6. Wake Forest Demon Deacons- 5-7 (1-7)
Last Year's Record: 4-8
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: @ Utah State (September 13), @ Louisville (September 27), @ Florida State (October 4), Syracuse (October 18), Clemson (November 6), @ NC State (November 15), Virginia Tech (November 22), @ Duke (November 29)
Key Players: Jared Crump (WR), Tyree Harris (WR), Cory Helms (C), Tyler Hayworth (RG), Dylan Intemann (RT), Brandon Chubb (LB), Hunter Williams (LB), Kevin Johnson (CB), Merrill Noel (CB), Ryan Janvion (SS), Chad Hedlund (K), Alex Kinal (P)
Head Coach: Dave Clawson (0-0 all-time at Wake Forest, 32-31 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
7. Boston College Eagles- 3-9 (0-8)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the AdvoCare V100 Bowl to Arizona
Toughest Games: Pittsburgh (September 5), USC (September 13), @ NC State (October 11), Clemson (October 18), @ Wake Forest (October 25), @ Virginia Tech (November 1), Louisville (November 8), @ Florida State (November 22), Syracuse (November 29)
Key Players: Andy Gallik (C), Harris Williams (RG), Bobby Vardaro (LG), Connor Wujciak (DT), Steven Daniels (LB), Manuel Asprilla (CB), Bryce Jones (CB), Dominique Williams (SS), Sean Sylvia (FS)
Head Coach: Steve Addazio (7-6 all-time at Boston College, 20-17 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
Coastal Division:
1. Virginia Tech Hokies- 10-4 (7-2)
Last Year's Record: 8-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Sun Bowl against UCLA
Toughest Games: @ Ohio State (September 6), @ North Carolina (October 4), @ Pittsburgh (October 16), Miami (October 23)
Key Players: Trey Edmunds (RB), Demitri Knowles (WR), Joshua Stanford (WR), Willie Byrn (WR), Ryan Malleck (TE), David Wang (C), Brent Bendict (RG), Caleb Farris (LG), Jonathan McLaughlin (LT), Luther Maddy (DT), Brandon Facyson (CB), Kendall Fuller (CB), Kyshoen Jarrett (S), Detrick Bonner (FS), A.J. Hughes (P)
Head Coach: Frank Beamer (224-109-2 all-time at Virginia Tech, 224-109-2 all-time)
Conference Championship: vs. Florida State (L)
Bowl Prediction: Capital One Bowl vs. LSU (L)
2. North Carolina Tar Heels- 9-4 (6-2)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Belk Bowl against Cincinnati
Toughest Games: @ Clemson (September 27), Virginia Tech (October 4), @ Notre Dame (October 11), @ Miami (November 1)
Key Players: Marquise Williams (QB), T.J. Logan (RB), Quinshad Davis (WR), T.J. Thorpe (WR), Jack Tabb (TE), Landon Turner (RG), Caleb Peterson (LG), Jon Heck (RT), Ethan Farmer (DT), Norkeithus Otis (DL), Travis Hughes (LB), Darius Lipford (LB), Malik Simmons (LB), Dominique Green (SS), Tim Scott (FS), Thomas Moore (K), Tommy Hibbard (P), Ryan Switzer (KR)
Head Coach: Larry Fedora (15-10 all-time at North Carolina, 49-29 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Detroit Bowl vs. Michigan (L)
3. Pittsburgh Panthers- 9-4 (5-3)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Little Casear's Bowl against Bowling Green
Toughest Games: Iowa (September 20), Virginia Tech (October 16), @ North Carolina (November 15), Syracuse (November 22), @ Miami (November 29)
Key Players: James Conner (RB), Manasseh Garner (WR), Tyler Boyd (WR), J.P. Holtz (TE), Artie Rowell (C), Matt Rotheram (RG), T.J. Clemmings (RT), Adam Bisnowaty (LT), David Durham (DE), Anthony Gonzalez (LB), Todd Thomas (LB), Lafayette Pitts (CB), Ray Vinopal (FS), Chris Blewitt (K)
Head Coach: Paul Chryst (13-13 all-time at Pittsburgh, 13-13 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Sun Bowl vs. Stanford (L)
4. Miami Hurricanes - 9-4 (5-3)
Last Year's Record: 9-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Russell Athletic Bowl to Louisville
Toughest Games: @ Louisville (September 1), @ Nebraska (September 20), Cincinnati (October 11), @ Virginia Tech (October 23), North Carolina (November 1), Florida State (November 15)
Key Players: Duke Johnson (RB), Malcolm Lewis (WR), Stacy Coley (WR), Phillip Dorsett (WR), Clive Walford (TE), Shane McDermott (C), Jon Feliciano (LG), Ereck Flowers (LT), Anthony Chickillo (DE), Olsen Pierre (DT), Denzel Perryman (LB), Thurston Armbrister (LB), LaDarius Gunter (CB), Tracy Howard (CB), Rayshawn Jenkins (S), Matt Goudis (K)
Head Coach: Al Golden (22-15 all-time at Miami, 49-49 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Independence Bowl vs. Texas A&M (W)
5. Duke Blue Devils- 7-6 (2-6)
Last Year's Record: 10-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Chick-Fil-A Bowl to Texas A&M
Toughest Games: @ Miami (September 27), @ Georgia Tech (October 11), @ Pittsburgh (November 1), @ Syracuse (November 8), Virginia Tech (November 15), North Carolina (November 20)
Key Players: Anthony Boone (QB), Josh Snead (RB), Jamison Crowder (WR), Max McCaffrey (WR), Braxton Deaver (TE), Matt Skura (C), Laken Tomlinson (RG), Takoby Cofield (LT), Jamal Bruce (NG), Kelby Brown (LB), David Helton (LB), Deondre Singleton (LB), DeVon Edwards (S), Jeremy Cash (S), Ross Martin (K), Will Monday (P)
Head Coach: David Cutcliffe (31-44 all-time at Duke, 75-73 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Russell Athletic Bowl vs. ULM (W)
6. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets- 5-7 (2-6)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Music City Bowl to Ole Miss
Toughest Games: @ Virginia Tech (September 20), Miami (October 4), @ North Carolina (October 18), @ Pittsburgh (October 25), @ NC State (November 8), Clemson (November 15), @ Georgia (November 29)
Key Players: Synjyn Davis (RB), Michael Summers (WR), DeAndre Smelter (WR), Shaquille Mason (RG), Trey Braun (LG), Bryan Chamberlain (LT), Adam Gotsis (DT), Quayshawn Nealy (LB), Demond Smith (DB), D.J. White (CB), Isaiah Johnson (S), Harrison Butker (K)
Head Coach: Paul Johnson (48-32 all-time at Georgia Tech, 93-61 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
7. Virginia Cavaliers- 2-10 (0-8)
Last Year's Record: 2-10
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: UCLA (August 30), Louisville (September 13), @ BYU (September 20), Pittsburgh (October 4), @ Duke (October 18), North Carolina (October 25), @ Georgia Tech (November 1), @ Florida State (November 8), Miami (November 22), @ Virginia Tech (November 28)
Key Players: Greyson Lambert (QB), Kevin Parks (RB), Darius Jennings (WR), Keeon Johnson (WR), Zachary Swanson (TE), Conner Davis (LG), Eric Smith (RT), Jay Whitmire (LT), Andrew Brown (DT), David Dean (DT), Eli Harold (DE), Max Valles (LB), Henry Coley (LB), Daquan Romero (LB), Maurice Canady (CB), Demetrious Nicholson (CB), Anthony Harris (S), Brandon Phelps (S), Ian Frye (K), Alec Vozenilek (P)
Head Coach: Mike London (18-31 all-time at Virginia, 18-31 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
Dustin James' 2014-15 College Football Preview: BIG 10
BIG 10
EAST:
1. Michigan State Spartans- 13-1 (9-0)
Last Year's Record: 13-1
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Rose Bowl vs. Stanford
Toughest Games: @ Oregon (September 6), Nebraska (October 4), Michigan (October 25), Ohio State (November 8), @ Maryland (November 15), @ Penn State (November 29)
Key Players: Connor Cook (QB), Jeremy Langford (RB), De'Anthony Arnett (WR), Tony Lippett (WR), Josiah Price (TE), Jack Allen (C), Jack Conklin (LT), Marcus Rush (DE), Shilique Calhoun (DE), Taiwan Jones (LB), Trae Waynes (CB), Kurtis Drummond (FS), Michael Geiger (K), Mike Sadler (P), Macgarrett Kings (PR)
Head Coach: Mark D'Antonio (64-29 record at Michigan State, 82-46 all-time)
Conference Championship: vs. Wisconsin (W)
Bowl Prediction: Fiesta Bowl vs. Georgia (W)
2. Ohio State Buckeyes- 12-1 (8-1)
Last Year's Record: 12-2
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Orange Bowl to Clemson
Toughest Games: Virginia Tech (September 6), Cincinnati (September 27), @ Maryland (October 4), @ Michigan State (November 8), Michigan (November 29)
Key Players: Corey Smith (WR), Dontre Wilson (WR), Devin Smith (WR), Jeff Heuerman (TE), Taylor Decker (LT), Noah Spence (DE), Adolphus Washington (DT), Michael Bennett (DT), Joey Bosa (DE), Joshua Perry (LB), Curtis Grant (LB), Doran Grant (CB), Cameron Johnston (P)
Head Coach: Urban Meyer (24-2 record at Ohio State, 128-25 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Orange Bowl vs. Washington (W)
3. Michigan Wolverines- 9-4 (5-3)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl to Kansas State
Toughest Games: @ Notre Dame (September 6), Utah (September 20), @ Michigan State (October 25), @ Northwestern (November 8), @ Ohio State (November 29)
Key Players: Devin Gardner (QB), Devin Funchess (WR), Freddy Canteen (WR), A.J. Williams (TE), Graham Glasgow (C), Kyle Kalis (RG), Erik Magnuson (LT), Brennen Beyer (DE), Frank Clark (DE), James Ross (LB), Jake Ryan (LB), Desmond Morgan (LB), Blake Countess (CB), Jourdan Lewis (CB), Jarrod Wilson (SS), Will Hagerup (P)
Head Coach: Brady Hoke (26-13 all-time at Michigan, 73-63 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Detroit Bowl vs. North Carolina (W)
4. Indiana Hoosiers - 5-7 (3-5)
Last Year's Record: 5-7
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: @ Bowling Green (September 13), @ Missouri (September 20), Maryland (September 27), @ Iowa (October 11), Michigan State (October 18), @ Michigan (November 1), Penn State (November 8), @ Rutgers (November 15), @ Ohio State (November 22)
Key Players: Nate Sudfeld (QB), Tevin Coleman (RB), Shane Wynn (WR), Collin Rahrig (C), Dan Feeney (RG), Bernard Taylor (LG), Peyton Eckert (RT), Jason Spriggs (LT), Bobby Richardson (DE), Ralph Green (DT), Nick Mangieri (LB), David Cooper (LB), T.J. Simmons (LB), Forisse Hardin (LB), Michael Hunter (CB), Tim Bennett (CB), Mark Murphy (S), Erich Toth (P)
Head Coach: Kevin Wilson (10-26 all-time at Indiana, 10-26 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
5. Maryland Terrapins - 5-7 (2-6)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Military Bowl to Marshall
Toughest Games: West Virginia (September 13), @ Syracuse (September 20), @ Indiana (September 27), Ohio State (October 4), Iowa (October 18), @ Wisconsin (October 25), @ Penn State (November 1), Michigan State (November 15), @ Michigan (November 22)
Key Players: C.J. Brown (QB), Brandon Ross (RB), Nigel King (WR), Stefon Diggs (WR), Deon Long (WR), Sal Conaboy (C), Michael Dunn (RT), Damian Prince (LG), Quinton Jefferson (DE), Darius Kilgo (DT), Andre Monroe (DE), L.A. Goree (LB), Cole Farrand (LB), Matt Robinson (LB), William Likely (CB), Sean Davis (S), Anthony Nixon (S), Brad Craddock (K), Nathan Renfro (P)
Head Coach: Randy Edsall (13-24 all-time at Maryland, 83-87 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
6. Penn State Nittany Lions - 4-8 (1-7)
Last Year's Record: 7-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game due to NCAA sanctions
Toughest Games: UCF (August 30), Northwestern (September 27), @ Michigan (October 11), Ohio State (October 25), Maryland (November 1), @ Indiana (November 8), @ Illinois (November 22), Michigan State (November 9)
Key Players: Christian Hackenberg (QB), Zach Zwinak (RB), Geno Lewis (WR), Jesse James (TE), Donovan Smith (LT), Deion Barnes (DE), C.J. Olaniyan (DE), Nyeem Wartman (LB), Mike Hull (LB), Jordan Lucas (CB), Ryan Keiser (S), Adrian Amos (S), Sam Ficken (K)
Head Coach: James Franklin (0-0 all-time at Penn State, 24-15 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game this year due to more NCAA sanctions
7. Rutgers Scarlet Knights- 3-9 (1-7)
Last Year's Record: 6-7
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Pinstripe Bowl to Notre Dame
Toughest Games: @ Washington State (August 28), Penn State (September 13), @ Navy (September 20), Michigan (October 4), @ Ohio State (October 19), @ Nebraska (October 25), Wisconsin (November 1), Indiana (November 15), @ Michigan State (November 22), @ Maryland (November 29)
Key Players: Gary Nova (QB), Paul James (RB), Michael Burton (FB), Tyler Kroft (TE), Betim Bujari (C), Chris Muller (RG), Kaleb Johnson (LG), Taj Alexander (RT), Keith Lumpkin (LT), Darius Hamilton (DT), Djwany Mera (DE), Steve Longa (LB), Kevin Snyder (LB), Nadir Barnwell (CB), Anthony Cioffi (CB), Lorenzo Waters (SS), Kyle Federico (K), Janarion Grant (KR)
Head Coach: Kyle Flood (15-11 all-time at Rutgers, 15-11 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
WEST:
1. Wisconsin Badgers - 10-4 (7-2)
Last Year's Record: 9-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Capital One Bowl to South Carolina
Toughest Games: LSU (August 30), Bowling Green (September 20), @ Northwestern (October 4), Maryland (October 25), Nebraska (November 15), @ Iowa (November 22)
Key Players: Joel Stave (QB), Melvin Gordon (RB), Jordan Fredrick (WR), Dan Voltz (C), Kyle Costigan (RG), Rob Havenstein (RT), Tyler Marz (LT), Derek Landisch (LB), Darius Hilary (CB), Sojourn Shelton (CB), Michael Caputo (SS), Jack Russell (K), Drew Meyer (P)
Head Coach: Gary Andersen (9-4 all-time at Wisconsin, 35-28 all-time)
Conference Championship: vs. Michigan State (L)
Bowl Prediction: TaxSlayer Bowl vs. Ole Miss (L)
2. Iowa Hawkeyes- 10-3 (7-1)
Last Year's Record: 8-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Outback Bowl to LSU
Toughest Games: @ Pittsburgh (September 20), @ Maryland (October 18), Northwestern (November 1), @ Illinois (November 15), Wisconsin (November 22), Nebraska (November 28)
Key Players: Jake Rudock (QB), Mark Weisman (RB), Kevonte Martin-Manley (WR), Tevaun Smith (WR), Ray Hamilton (TE), Austin Blythe (C), Jordan Walsh (RG), Brandon Scherff (LT), Louis Trinca-Pasat (DT), Carl Davis (DT), Drew Ott (DE), Desmond King (CB), John Lowdermilk (SS), Connor Kornbrath (P)
Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz (108-79 all-time at Iowa, 108-79 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Outback Bowl vs. Florida (L)
3. Northwestern Wildcats- 9-4 (6-2)
Last Year's Record: 5-7
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Northern Illinois (September 6), @ Penn State (September 27), Wisconsin (October 4), Nebraska (October 18), @ Iowa (November 1), Michigan (November 8), @ Notre Dame (November 15)
Key Players: Venric Mark (RB), Tony Jones (WR), Christian Jones (WR), Kyle Prater (WR), Dan Vitale (RB), Brandon Vitabile (C), Matt Frazier (RG), Geoff Mogus (LG), Jack Konopka (RT), Paul Jorgensen (LT), Chance Carter (DT), Dean Lowry (DE), Chi Chi Ariguzo (LB), Collin Ellis (LB), Nick VanHoose (CB), Matthew Harris (CB), Ibraheim Campbell (SS), Traveon Henry (FS)
Head Coach: Pat Fitzgerald (55-46 all-time at Northwestern, 55-46 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Fight Hunger Bowl vs. Arizona (L)
4. Nebraska Cornhuskers- 7-6 (4-4)
Last Year's Record: 9-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Gator Bowl against Georgia
Toughest Games: @ Fresno State (September 13), Miami (September 20), @ Michigan State (October 4), @ Northwestern (October 18), @ Wisconsin (November 15), @ Iowa (November 28)
Key Players: Tommy Armstrong (QB), Ameer Abdullah (RB), Jordan Westerkamp (WR), Kenny Bell (WR), Jake Cotton (LG), Randy Gregory (DE), Vincent Valentine (DT), Maliek Collins (DT), Zaire Anderson (LB), Michael Rose (LB), David Santos (LB), Corey Cooper (SS), Sam Foltz (P)
Head Coach: Bo Pelini (58-24 all-time at Nebraska, 58-24 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Holiday Bowl vs. USC (L)
5. Illinois Fighting Illini- 6-7 (3-5)
Last Year's Record: 4-8
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: @ Washington (September 13), @ Nebraska (September 27), @ Wisconsin (October 11), @ Ohio State (November 1), Iowa (November 15), Penn State (November 22), @ Northwestern (November 29)
Key Players: Josh Ferguson (RB), Jon Davis (TE), Alex Hill (C), Ted Karras (RG), Michael Heitz (LG), Simon Cvijanovic (LT), Austin Teitsma (DT), Jihad Ward (DT), T.J. Neal (LB), Mason Monheim (LB), Earnest Thomas (LB), V'Angelo Bentley (CB), Eaton Spence (SS), Zane Petty (FS), Taylor Zalewski (K), Justin DuVernois (P)
Head Coach: Tim Beckman (6-18 all-time at Illinois, 27-34 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Pinstripe Bowl vs. Syracuse (L)
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers- 4-8 (1-7)
Last Year's Record: 8-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Texas Bowl to Syracuse
Toughest Games: @ TCU (September 13), @ Michigan (September 27), Northwestern (October 11), @ Illinois (October 25), Iowa (November 8), Ohio State (November 15), @ Nebraska (November 22), @ Wisconsin (November 29)
Key Players: David Cobb (RB), Drew Goodger (TE), Drew Wolitarsky (WR), Maxx Williams (TE), Brian Bobek (C), Caleb Bak (RG), Zac Epping (LG), Josh Campion (RT), Theiren Cockran (DE), Camerin Botticelli (DT), Michael Amaefula (DE), Damien Wilson (MLB), Eric Murray (CB), Cedric Thompson (SS), Antonio Johnson (FS), Peter Mortell (P), Marcus Jones (KR)
Head Coach: Jerry Kill (17-21 all-time at Minnesota, 40-37 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
7. Purdue Boilermakers- 3-9 (0-8)
Last Year's Record: 1-11
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Notre Dame (September 13), Iowa (September 27), @ Illinois (October 4), Michigan State (October 11), @ Minnesota (October 18), @ Nebraska (November 1), Wisconsin (November 8), Northwestern (November 22), @ Indiana (November 29)
Key Players: Danny Etling (QB), Raheem Mostert (RB), DeAngelo Yancey (WR), Danny Anthrop (WR), Dan Monteroso (WR), Justin Sinz (TE), Robert Kugler (C), Jordan Roos (RG), Ryan Russell (DE), Joe Gilliam (LB), Sean Robinson (LB), Gelen Robinson (LB), Antoine Lewis (CB), Frankie WIlliams (CB), Robert Gregory (S), Paul Griggs (K), Akeem Hunt (KR)
Head Coach: Darrell Hazell (1-11 all-time at Purdue, 17-21 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
EAST:
1. Michigan State Spartans- 13-1 (9-0)
Last Year's Record: 13-1
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Rose Bowl vs. Stanford
Toughest Games: @ Oregon (September 6), Nebraska (October 4), Michigan (October 25), Ohio State (November 8), @ Maryland (November 15), @ Penn State (November 29)
Key Players: Connor Cook (QB), Jeremy Langford (RB), De'Anthony Arnett (WR), Tony Lippett (WR), Josiah Price (TE), Jack Allen (C), Jack Conklin (LT), Marcus Rush (DE), Shilique Calhoun (DE), Taiwan Jones (LB), Trae Waynes (CB), Kurtis Drummond (FS), Michael Geiger (K), Mike Sadler (P), Macgarrett Kings (PR)
Head Coach: Mark D'Antonio (64-29 record at Michigan State, 82-46 all-time)
Conference Championship: vs. Wisconsin (W)
Bowl Prediction: Fiesta Bowl vs. Georgia (W)
2. Ohio State Buckeyes- 12-1 (8-1)
Last Year's Record: 12-2
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Orange Bowl to Clemson
Toughest Games: Virginia Tech (September 6), Cincinnati (September 27), @ Maryland (October 4), @ Michigan State (November 8), Michigan (November 29)
Key Players: Corey Smith (WR), Dontre Wilson (WR), Devin Smith (WR), Jeff Heuerman (TE), Taylor Decker (LT), Noah Spence (DE), Adolphus Washington (DT), Michael Bennett (DT), Joey Bosa (DE), Joshua Perry (LB), Curtis Grant (LB), Doran Grant (CB), Cameron Johnston (P)
Head Coach: Urban Meyer (24-2 record at Ohio State, 128-25 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Orange Bowl vs. Washington (W)
3. Michigan Wolverines- 9-4 (5-3)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl to Kansas State
Toughest Games: @ Notre Dame (September 6), Utah (September 20), @ Michigan State (October 25), @ Northwestern (November 8), @ Ohio State (November 29)
Key Players: Devin Gardner (QB), Devin Funchess (WR), Freddy Canteen (WR), A.J. Williams (TE), Graham Glasgow (C), Kyle Kalis (RG), Erik Magnuson (LT), Brennen Beyer (DE), Frank Clark (DE), James Ross (LB), Jake Ryan (LB), Desmond Morgan (LB), Blake Countess (CB), Jourdan Lewis (CB), Jarrod Wilson (SS), Will Hagerup (P)
Head Coach: Brady Hoke (26-13 all-time at Michigan, 73-63 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Detroit Bowl vs. North Carolina (W)
4. Indiana Hoosiers - 5-7 (3-5)
Last Year's Record: 5-7
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: @ Bowling Green (September 13), @ Missouri (September 20), Maryland (September 27), @ Iowa (October 11), Michigan State (October 18), @ Michigan (November 1), Penn State (November 8), @ Rutgers (November 15), @ Ohio State (November 22)
Key Players: Nate Sudfeld (QB), Tevin Coleman (RB), Shane Wynn (WR), Collin Rahrig (C), Dan Feeney (RG), Bernard Taylor (LG), Peyton Eckert (RT), Jason Spriggs (LT), Bobby Richardson (DE), Ralph Green (DT), Nick Mangieri (LB), David Cooper (LB), T.J. Simmons (LB), Forisse Hardin (LB), Michael Hunter (CB), Tim Bennett (CB), Mark Murphy (S), Erich Toth (P)
Head Coach: Kevin Wilson (10-26 all-time at Indiana, 10-26 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
5. Maryland Terrapins - 5-7 (2-6)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Military Bowl to Marshall
Toughest Games: West Virginia (September 13), @ Syracuse (September 20), @ Indiana (September 27), Ohio State (October 4), Iowa (October 18), @ Wisconsin (October 25), @ Penn State (November 1), Michigan State (November 15), @ Michigan (November 22)
Key Players: C.J. Brown (QB), Brandon Ross (RB), Nigel King (WR), Stefon Diggs (WR), Deon Long (WR), Sal Conaboy (C), Michael Dunn (RT), Damian Prince (LG), Quinton Jefferson (DE), Darius Kilgo (DT), Andre Monroe (DE), L.A. Goree (LB), Cole Farrand (LB), Matt Robinson (LB), William Likely (CB), Sean Davis (S), Anthony Nixon (S), Brad Craddock (K), Nathan Renfro (P)
Head Coach: Randy Edsall (13-24 all-time at Maryland, 83-87 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
6. Penn State Nittany Lions - 4-8 (1-7)
Last Year's Record: 7-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game due to NCAA sanctions
Toughest Games: UCF (August 30), Northwestern (September 27), @ Michigan (October 11), Ohio State (October 25), Maryland (November 1), @ Indiana (November 8), @ Illinois (November 22), Michigan State (November 9)
Key Players: Christian Hackenberg (QB), Zach Zwinak (RB), Geno Lewis (WR), Jesse James (TE), Donovan Smith (LT), Deion Barnes (DE), C.J. Olaniyan (DE), Nyeem Wartman (LB), Mike Hull (LB), Jordan Lucas (CB), Ryan Keiser (S), Adrian Amos (S), Sam Ficken (K)
Head Coach: James Franklin (0-0 all-time at Penn State, 24-15 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game this year due to more NCAA sanctions
7. Rutgers Scarlet Knights- 3-9 (1-7)
Last Year's Record: 6-7
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Pinstripe Bowl to Notre Dame
Toughest Games: @ Washington State (August 28), Penn State (September 13), @ Navy (September 20), Michigan (October 4), @ Ohio State (October 19), @ Nebraska (October 25), Wisconsin (November 1), Indiana (November 15), @ Michigan State (November 22), @ Maryland (November 29)
Key Players: Gary Nova (QB), Paul James (RB), Michael Burton (FB), Tyler Kroft (TE), Betim Bujari (C), Chris Muller (RG), Kaleb Johnson (LG), Taj Alexander (RT), Keith Lumpkin (LT), Darius Hamilton (DT), Djwany Mera (DE), Steve Longa (LB), Kevin Snyder (LB), Nadir Barnwell (CB), Anthony Cioffi (CB), Lorenzo Waters (SS), Kyle Federico (K), Janarion Grant (KR)
Head Coach: Kyle Flood (15-11 all-time at Rutgers, 15-11 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
WEST:
1. Wisconsin Badgers - 10-4 (7-2)
Last Year's Record: 9-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Capital One Bowl to South Carolina
Toughest Games: LSU (August 30), Bowling Green (September 20), @ Northwestern (October 4), Maryland (October 25), Nebraska (November 15), @ Iowa (November 22)
Key Players: Joel Stave (QB), Melvin Gordon (RB), Jordan Fredrick (WR), Dan Voltz (C), Kyle Costigan (RG), Rob Havenstein (RT), Tyler Marz (LT), Derek Landisch (LB), Darius Hilary (CB), Sojourn Shelton (CB), Michael Caputo (SS), Jack Russell (K), Drew Meyer (P)
Head Coach: Gary Andersen (9-4 all-time at Wisconsin, 35-28 all-time)
Conference Championship: vs. Michigan State (L)
Bowl Prediction: TaxSlayer Bowl vs. Ole Miss (L)
2. Iowa Hawkeyes- 10-3 (7-1)
Last Year's Record: 8-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Outback Bowl to LSU
Toughest Games: @ Pittsburgh (September 20), @ Maryland (October 18), Northwestern (November 1), @ Illinois (November 15), Wisconsin (November 22), Nebraska (November 28)
Key Players: Jake Rudock (QB), Mark Weisman (RB), Kevonte Martin-Manley (WR), Tevaun Smith (WR), Ray Hamilton (TE), Austin Blythe (C), Jordan Walsh (RG), Brandon Scherff (LT), Louis Trinca-Pasat (DT), Carl Davis (DT), Drew Ott (DE), Desmond King (CB), John Lowdermilk (SS), Connor Kornbrath (P)
Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz (108-79 all-time at Iowa, 108-79 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Outback Bowl vs. Florida (L)
3. Northwestern Wildcats- 9-4 (6-2)
Last Year's Record: 5-7
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Northern Illinois (September 6), @ Penn State (September 27), Wisconsin (October 4), Nebraska (October 18), @ Iowa (November 1), Michigan (November 8), @ Notre Dame (November 15)
Key Players: Venric Mark (RB), Tony Jones (WR), Christian Jones (WR), Kyle Prater (WR), Dan Vitale (RB), Brandon Vitabile (C), Matt Frazier (RG), Geoff Mogus (LG), Jack Konopka (RT), Paul Jorgensen (LT), Chance Carter (DT), Dean Lowry (DE), Chi Chi Ariguzo (LB), Collin Ellis (LB), Nick VanHoose (CB), Matthew Harris (CB), Ibraheim Campbell (SS), Traveon Henry (FS)
Head Coach: Pat Fitzgerald (55-46 all-time at Northwestern, 55-46 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Fight Hunger Bowl vs. Arizona (L)
4. Nebraska Cornhuskers- 7-6 (4-4)
Last Year's Record: 9-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Gator Bowl against Georgia
Toughest Games: @ Fresno State (September 13), Miami (September 20), @ Michigan State (October 4), @ Northwestern (October 18), @ Wisconsin (November 15), @ Iowa (November 28)
Key Players: Tommy Armstrong (QB), Ameer Abdullah (RB), Jordan Westerkamp (WR), Kenny Bell (WR), Jake Cotton (LG), Randy Gregory (DE), Vincent Valentine (DT), Maliek Collins (DT), Zaire Anderson (LB), Michael Rose (LB), David Santos (LB), Corey Cooper (SS), Sam Foltz (P)
Head Coach: Bo Pelini (58-24 all-time at Nebraska, 58-24 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Holiday Bowl vs. USC (L)
5. Illinois Fighting Illini- 6-7 (3-5)
Last Year's Record: 4-8
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: @ Washington (September 13), @ Nebraska (September 27), @ Wisconsin (October 11), @ Ohio State (November 1), Iowa (November 15), Penn State (November 22), @ Northwestern (November 29)
Key Players: Josh Ferguson (RB), Jon Davis (TE), Alex Hill (C), Ted Karras (RG), Michael Heitz (LG), Simon Cvijanovic (LT), Austin Teitsma (DT), Jihad Ward (DT), T.J. Neal (LB), Mason Monheim (LB), Earnest Thomas (LB), V'Angelo Bentley (CB), Eaton Spence (SS), Zane Petty (FS), Taylor Zalewski (K), Justin DuVernois (P)
Head Coach: Tim Beckman (6-18 all-time at Illinois, 27-34 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Pinstripe Bowl vs. Syracuse (L)
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers- 4-8 (1-7)
Last Year's Record: 8-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Texas Bowl to Syracuse
Toughest Games: @ TCU (September 13), @ Michigan (September 27), Northwestern (October 11), @ Illinois (October 25), Iowa (November 8), Ohio State (November 15), @ Nebraska (November 22), @ Wisconsin (November 29)
Key Players: David Cobb (RB), Drew Goodger (TE), Drew Wolitarsky (WR), Maxx Williams (TE), Brian Bobek (C), Caleb Bak (RG), Zac Epping (LG), Josh Campion (RT), Theiren Cockran (DE), Camerin Botticelli (DT), Michael Amaefula (DE), Damien Wilson (MLB), Eric Murray (CB), Cedric Thompson (SS), Antonio Johnson (FS), Peter Mortell (P), Marcus Jones (KR)
Head Coach: Jerry Kill (17-21 all-time at Minnesota, 40-37 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
7. Purdue Boilermakers- 3-9 (0-8)
Last Year's Record: 1-11
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Notre Dame (September 13), Iowa (September 27), @ Illinois (October 4), Michigan State (October 11), @ Minnesota (October 18), @ Nebraska (November 1), Wisconsin (November 8), Northwestern (November 22), @ Indiana (November 29)
Key Players: Danny Etling (QB), Raheem Mostert (RB), DeAngelo Yancey (WR), Danny Anthrop (WR), Dan Monteroso (WR), Justin Sinz (TE), Robert Kugler (C), Jordan Roos (RG), Ryan Russell (DE), Joe Gilliam (LB), Sean Robinson (LB), Gelen Robinson (LB), Antoine Lewis (CB), Frankie WIlliams (CB), Robert Gregory (S), Paul Griggs (K), Akeem Hunt (KR)
Head Coach: Darrell Hazell (1-11 all-time at Purdue, 17-21 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
Dustin James' 2014-15 College Football Preview: PAC 12
PAC 12
North:
1. Oregon Ducks- 13-1 (10-0)
Last Year's Record: 11-2
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Alamo Bowl against Texas
Toughest Games: Michigan State (September 6), Arizona (October 2), @ UCLA (October 11), Stanford (November 1), @ Utah (November 8), @ Oregon State (November 29)
Key Players: Marcus Mariota (QB), Byron Marshall (RB), Thomas Tyner (RB), Keanon Lowe (WR), Pharaoh Brown (TE), John Mundt (TE), Hroniss Grasu (C), Hamani Stevens (LG), Jake Fisher (RT), Tyler Johnstone (LT), DeForest Buckner (DE), Arik Armstead (DT), Tony Washington (DE), Derrick Malone (LB), Rodney Hardrick (LB), Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB), Matt Wogan (K)
Head Coach: Mark Helfrich (11-2 all-time at Oregon, 11-2 all-time)
Conference Championship: vs. UCLA (W)
Bowl Prediction: PLAYOFFS - Sugar Bowl vs. Florida State (L)
2. Washington Huskies- 11-3 (7-2)
Last Year's Record: 9-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Fight Hunger Bowl against BYU
Toughest Games: Stanford (September 27), @ Oregon (October 18), UCLA (November 8), @ Arizona (November 15), Oregon State (November 22), @ Washington State (November 29)
Key Players: Kasen Williams (WR), Jaydon Mickens (WR), Mike Criste (C), Colin Tanigawa (RG), Dexter Charles (LG), Ben Riva (RT), Micah Hatchie (LT), Hau'Oli Kikaha (DE), Danny Shelton (DT), Evan Hudson (DT), Cory Littleton (DE), John Timu (LB), Shaq Thompson (LB), Marcus Peters (CB), John Ross (KR)
Head Coach: Chris Petersen (0-0 all-time at Washington, 92-12 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Orange Bowl vs. Ohio State (L)
3. Stanford Cardinal - 9-4 (6-3)
Last Year's Record: 11-3
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Rose Bowl against Michigan State
Toughest Games: USC (September 6), @ Washington (September 27), @ Notre Dame (October 4), Oregon State (October 25), @ Oregon (November 1), @ UCLA (November 28)
Key Players: Kevin Hogan (QB), Barry Sanders (RB), Devon Cajuste (WR), Ty Montgomery (WR), Kyle Murphy (RT), Andrus Peat (LT), David Parry (DT), Henry Anderson (DE), James Vaughters (DL), A.J. Tarpley (LB), Wayne Lyons (CB), Alex Carter (CB), Jordan Richards (SS), Jordan Williamson (K), Ben Rhyne (P)
Head Coach: David Shaw (34-7 all-time at Stanford, 34-7 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Sun Bowl vs. Pittsburgh (W)
4. Oregon State Beavers- 9-4 (5-4)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Hawaii Bowl against Boise State
Toughest Games: San Diego State (September 20), @ USC (September 27), Utah (October 16), @ Stanford (October 25), @ Washington (November 22), Oregon (November 29)
Key Players: Sean Mannion (QB), Terron Ward (RB), Connor Hamlett (TE), Richard Mullaney (WR), Caleb Smith (TE), Isaac Seumalo (C), Sean Harlow (LG), Dylan Wynn (DE), D.J. Alexander (LB), Jabral Johnson (LB), Michael Doctor (LB), Steven Nelson (CB), Tyrequek Zimmerman (SS), Ryan Murphy (FS), Trevor Romaine (K), Keith Kostol (P), Victor Bolden (KR)
Head Coach: Mike Riley (88-73 all-time at Oregon State, 88-73 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Las Vegas Bowl vs. San Diego State (W)
5. Washington State Cougars - 4-8 (1-8)
Last Year's Record: 6-7
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the New Mexico Bowl to Colorado State
Toughest Games: Rutgers (August 28), @ Nevada (September 5), Oregon (September 20), @ Utah (September 27), @ Stanford (October 10), Arizona (October 25), USC (November 1), @ Oregon State (November 8), @ Arizona State (November 22), Washington (November 29)
Key Players: Connor Halliday (QB), Marcus Mason (RB), Vince Mayle (WR), River Cracraft (WR), Gabe Marks (WR), Rickey Galvin (WR), Gunnar Eklund (LG), Joe Dahl (LT), Xavier Cooper (DE), Kalafitoni Pole (DT), Destiny Vaeao (DE), Darryl Monroe (LB), Cyrus Coen (LB), Taylor Taliulu (FS)
Head Coach: Mike Leach (9-16 all-time at Washington State, 93-59 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
6. California Golden Bears - 2-10 (1-8)
Last Year's Record: 1-11
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: @ Northwestern (August 30), @ Arizona (September 20), @ Washington State (October 4), Washington (October 11), UCLA (October 18), Oregon (October 24), @ Oregon State (November 1), @ USC (November 13), Stanford (November 22), BYU (November 29)
Key Players: Jared Goff (QB), Khalfani Muhammad (RB), Chris Harper (WR), Bryce Treggs (WR), Darius Powe (WR), Chris Adcock (C), Alejandro Crosthwaite (RG), Jordan Rigsbee (LG), Steven Moore (LT), Brennan Scarlett (DE), Jalen Jefferson (LB), Hardy Nickerson (LB), Cameron Walker (CB), Avery Sebastian (SS), Stefan McClure (FS), Cole Leininger (P)
Head Coach: Sonny Dykes (1-11 all-time at California, 23-26 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
SOUTH
1. UCLA Bruins- 11-3 (7-3)
Last Year's Record: 10-3
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Sun Bowl against Virginia Tech
Toughest Games: Texas (September 13), @ Arizona State (September 25), Oregon (October 11), Arizona (November 1), @ Washington (November 8), USC (November 22), Stanford (November 28)
Key Players: Brett Hundley (QB), Jordon James (RB), Jordan Payton (WR), Devin Fuller (WR), Devin Lucien (WR), Thomas Duarte (TE), Jake Brendel (C), Alex Redmond (RG), Malcolm Bunche (LG), Simon Goines (RT), Caleb Benenoch (LT), Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE), Eddie Vanderdoes (DE), Eric Kendricks (LB), Myles Jack (LB), Ishmael Adams (CB), Fabian Moreau (CB), Anthony Jefferson (SS), Randall Goforth (FS), Ka'Imi Fairbairn (K), Sean Covington (P)
Head Coach: Jim Mora (19-8 all-time at UCLA, 19-8 all-time)
Conference Championship: vs. Oregon (L)
Bowl Prediction: Alamo Bowl vs. Baylor (W)
2. Arizona Wildcats- 10-3 (6-3)
Last Year's Record: 8-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the AdvoCare Bowl against Boston College
Toughest Games: @ Oregon (October 2), USC (October 11), @ Washington State (October 25), @ UCLA (November 1), Washington (November 15), @ Utah (November 22), Arizona State (November 29)
Key Players: Da'Vonte Neal (WR), Nate Phillips (WR), Austin Hill (WR), Steven Gurrola (C), Cayman Bundage (LG), Fabbians Ebeele (RT), Mickey Baucus (LT), Reggie Gilbert (DT), Scooby Wright (LB), Tra'Mayne Bondurant (LB), Jonathan McKnight (CB), Jared Tevis (S), Jourdon Grandon (S), Drew Riggleman (P), Johnny Jackson (PR)
Head Coach: Rich Rodriguez (16-10 all-time at Arizona, 91-58 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Fight Hunger Bowl vs. Northwestern (W)
3. USC Trojans- 10-3 (6-3)
Last Year's Record: 10-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Las Vegas bowl against Fresno State
Toughest Games: Fresno State (August 30), @ Stanford (September 6), Oregon State (September 27), @ Arizona (October 11), @ Utah (October 25), @ Washington State (November 1), @ UCLA (November 22), Notre Dame (November 29)
Key Players: Cody Kessler (QB), Tre Madden (RB), Javorius Allen (RB), Darreus Rogers (WR), Nelson Agholor (WR), Randall Telfer (TE), Max Tuerk (C), Aundrey Walker (RG), Chad Wheeler (LT), Antwaun Woods (DL), Leonard Williams (DT), J.R. Tavai (LB), Anthony Sarao (LB), Hayes Pullard (LB), Josh Shaw (CB), Su'a Cravens (SS), Andre Heidari (K), Kris Albarado (P)
Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian (0-0 all-time at USC, 34-29 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Holiday Bowl vs. Nebraska (W)
4. Arizona State Sun Devils - 5-7 (3-6)
Last Year's Record: 10-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Holiday Bowl to Texas Tech
Toughest Games: UCLA (September 25), @ USC (October 4), Stanford (October 18), @ Washington (October 25), Utah (November 1), Notre Dame (November 8), @ Oregon State (November 15), @ Arizona (November 28)
Key Players: Taylor Kelly (QB), D.J. Foster (RB), Jaelen Strong (WR), De'Marieya Nelson (TE), Vi Teofilo (RG), Christian Westerman (LG), Tyler Sulka (RT), Jamil Douglas (LT), Dalvon Stuckey (DL), Salamo Fiso (LB), DaMarious Randall (S), Zane Gonzalez (K), Matt Haack (P)
Head Coach: Todd Graham (18-9 all-time at Arizona State, 67-38 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
5. Utah Utes - 5-7 (3-6)
Last Year's Record: 5-7
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Fresno State (September 6), @ Michigan (September 20), @ UCLA (October 4), @ Oregon State (October 16), USC (October 25), @ Arizona State (November 1), Oregon (November 8), @ Stanford (November 15), Arizona (November 22)
Key Players: Travis Wilson (QB), Devontae Booker (RB), Dres Anderson (WR), Siaosi Aioni (C), Junior Salt (LG), Jeremiah Poutasi (LT), Nate Orchard (DE), Jared Norris (LB), Jason Whittingham (LB), Justin Thomas (LB), Davion Orphey (CB), Eric Rowe (CB), Andy Phillips (K), Tom Hackett (P), Geoff Norwood (PR)
Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham (75-39 all-time at Utah, 75-39 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
6. Colorado Buffaloes - 3-9 (0-9)
Last Year's Record: 4-8
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Arizona State (September 13), Oregon State (October 4), @ USC (October 18), UCLA (October 25), Washington (November 1), @ Arizona (November 8), @ Oregon (November 22), Utah (November 29)
Key Players: Sefo Liufau (QB), Christian Powell (RB), D.D. Goodson (WR), Nelson Spruce (WR), Sean Irwin (TE), Daniel Munyer (RG), Kaiwi Crabb (LG), Stephane Nembot (RT), Samson Kafovalu (DE), Juda Parker (DT), Josh Tupou (DT), Addison Gillam (LB), Woodson Greer (LB), Kenneth Crawley (CB), Greg Henderson (CB), Jered Bell (FS), Will Oliver (K), Darragh O'Neill (P)
Head Coach: Mike MacIntyre (4-8 all-time at Colorado, 20-29 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
North:
1. Oregon Ducks- 13-1 (10-0)
Last Year's Record: 11-2
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Alamo Bowl against Texas
Toughest Games: Michigan State (September 6), Arizona (October 2), @ UCLA (October 11), Stanford (November 1), @ Utah (November 8), @ Oregon State (November 29)
Key Players: Marcus Mariota (QB), Byron Marshall (RB), Thomas Tyner (RB), Keanon Lowe (WR), Pharaoh Brown (TE), John Mundt (TE), Hroniss Grasu (C), Hamani Stevens (LG), Jake Fisher (RT), Tyler Johnstone (LT), DeForest Buckner (DE), Arik Armstead (DT), Tony Washington (DE), Derrick Malone (LB), Rodney Hardrick (LB), Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB), Matt Wogan (K)
Head Coach: Mark Helfrich (11-2 all-time at Oregon, 11-2 all-time)
Conference Championship: vs. UCLA (W)
Bowl Prediction: PLAYOFFS - Sugar Bowl vs. Florida State (L)
2. Washington Huskies- 11-3 (7-2)
Last Year's Record: 9-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Fight Hunger Bowl against BYU
Toughest Games: Stanford (September 27), @ Oregon (October 18), UCLA (November 8), @ Arizona (November 15), Oregon State (November 22), @ Washington State (November 29)
Key Players: Kasen Williams (WR), Jaydon Mickens (WR), Mike Criste (C), Colin Tanigawa (RG), Dexter Charles (LG), Ben Riva (RT), Micah Hatchie (LT), Hau'Oli Kikaha (DE), Danny Shelton (DT), Evan Hudson (DT), Cory Littleton (DE), John Timu (LB), Shaq Thompson (LB), Marcus Peters (CB), John Ross (KR)
Head Coach: Chris Petersen (0-0 all-time at Washington, 92-12 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Orange Bowl vs. Ohio State (L)
3. Stanford Cardinal - 9-4 (6-3)
Last Year's Record: 11-3
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Rose Bowl against Michigan State
Toughest Games: USC (September 6), @ Washington (September 27), @ Notre Dame (October 4), Oregon State (October 25), @ Oregon (November 1), @ UCLA (November 28)
Key Players: Kevin Hogan (QB), Barry Sanders (RB), Devon Cajuste (WR), Ty Montgomery (WR), Kyle Murphy (RT), Andrus Peat (LT), David Parry (DT), Henry Anderson (DE), James Vaughters (DL), A.J. Tarpley (LB), Wayne Lyons (CB), Alex Carter (CB), Jordan Richards (SS), Jordan Williamson (K), Ben Rhyne (P)
Head Coach: David Shaw (34-7 all-time at Stanford, 34-7 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Sun Bowl vs. Pittsburgh (W)
4. Oregon State Beavers- 9-4 (5-4)
Last Year's Record: 7-6
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Hawaii Bowl against Boise State
Toughest Games: San Diego State (September 20), @ USC (September 27), Utah (October 16), @ Stanford (October 25), @ Washington (November 22), Oregon (November 29)
Key Players: Sean Mannion (QB), Terron Ward (RB), Connor Hamlett (TE), Richard Mullaney (WR), Caleb Smith (TE), Isaac Seumalo (C), Sean Harlow (LG), Dylan Wynn (DE), D.J. Alexander (LB), Jabral Johnson (LB), Michael Doctor (LB), Steven Nelson (CB), Tyrequek Zimmerman (SS), Ryan Murphy (FS), Trevor Romaine (K), Keith Kostol (P), Victor Bolden (KR)
Head Coach: Mike Riley (88-73 all-time at Oregon State, 88-73 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Las Vegas Bowl vs. San Diego State (W)
5. Washington State Cougars - 4-8 (1-8)
Last Year's Record: 6-7
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the New Mexico Bowl to Colorado State
Toughest Games: Rutgers (August 28), @ Nevada (September 5), Oregon (September 20), @ Utah (September 27), @ Stanford (October 10), Arizona (October 25), USC (November 1), @ Oregon State (November 8), @ Arizona State (November 22), Washington (November 29)
Key Players: Connor Halliday (QB), Marcus Mason (RB), Vince Mayle (WR), River Cracraft (WR), Gabe Marks (WR), Rickey Galvin (WR), Gunnar Eklund (LG), Joe Dahl (LT), Xavier Cooper (DE), Kalafitoni Pole (DT), Destiny Vaeao (DE), Darryl Monroe (LB), Cyrus Coen (LB), Taylor Taliulu (FS)
Head Coach: Mike Leach (9-16 all-time at Washington State, 93-59 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
6. California Golden Bears - 2-10 (1-8)
Last Year's Record: 1-11
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: @ Northwestern (August 30), @ Arizona (September 20), @ Washington State (October 4), Washington (October 11), UCLA (October 18), Oregon (October 24), @ Oregon State (November 1), @ USC (November 13), Stanford (November 22), BYU (November 29)
Key Players: Jared Goff (QB), Khalfani Muhammad (RB), Chris Harper (WR), Bryce Treggs (WR), Darius Powe (WR), Chris Adcock (C), Alejandro Crosthwaite (RG), Jordan Rigsbee (LG), Steven Moore (LT), Brennan Scarlett (DE), Jalen Jefferson (LB), Hardy Nickerson (LB), Cameron Walker (CB), Avery Sebastian (SS), Stefan McClure (FS), Cole Leininger (P)
Head Coach: Sonny Dykes (1-11 all-time at California, 23-26 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
SOUTH
1. UCLA Bruins- 11-3 (7-3)
Last Year's Record: 10-3
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Sun Bowl against Virginia Tech
Toughest Games: Texas (September 13), @ Arizona State (September 25), Oregon (October 11), Arizona (November 1), @ Washington (November 8), USC (November 22), Stanford (November 28)
Key Players: Brett Hundley (QB), Jordon James (RB), Jordan Payton (WR), Devin Fuller (WR), Devin Lucien (WR), Thomas Duarte (TE), Jake Brendel (C), Alex Redmond (RG), Malcolm Bunche (LG), Simon Goines (RT), Caleb Benenoch (LT), Owamagbe Odighizuwa (DE), Eddie Vanderdoes (DE), Eric Kendricks (LB), Myles Jack (LB), Ishmael Adams (CB), Fabian Moreau (CB), Anthony Jefferson (SS), Randall Goforth (FS), Ka'Imi Fairbairn (K), Sean Covington (P)
Head Coach: Jim Mora (19-8 all-time at UCLA, 19-8 all-time)
Conference Championship: vs. Oregon (L)
Bowl Prediction: Alamo Bowl vs. Baylor (W)
2. Arizona Wildcats- 10-3 (6-3)
Last Year's Record: 8-5
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the AdvoCare Bowl against Boston College
Toughest Games: @ Oregon (October 2), USC (October 11), @ Washington State (October 25), @ UCLA (November 1), Washington (November 15), @ Utah (November 22), Arizona State (November 29)
Key Players: Da'Vonte Neal (WR), Nate Phillips (WR), Austin Hill (WR), Steven Gurrola (C), Cayman Bundage (LG), Fabbians Ebeele (RT), Mickey Baucus (LT), Reggie Gilbert (DT), Scooby Wright (LB), Tra'Mayne Bondurant (LB), Jonathan McKnight (CB), Jared Tevis (S), Jourdon Grandon (S), Drew Riggleman (P), Johnny Jackson (PR)
Head Coach: Rich Rodriguez (16-10 all-time at Arizona, 91-58 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Fight Hunger Bowl vs. Northwestern (W)
3. USC Trojans- 10-3 (6-3)
Last Year's Record: 10-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Won the Las Vegas bowl against Fresno State
Toughest Games: Fresno State (August 30), @ Stanford (September 6), Oregon State (September 27), @ Arizona (October 11), @ Utah (October 25), @ Washington State (November 1), @ UCLA (November 22), Notre Dame (November 29)
Key Players: Cody Kessler (QB), Tre Madden (RB), Javorius Allen (RB), Darreus Rogers (WR), Nelson Agholor (WR), Randall Telfer (TE), Max Tuerk (C), Aundrey Walker (RG), Chad Wheeler (LT), Antwaun Woods (DL), Leonard Williams (DT), J.R. Tavai (LB), Anthony Sarao (LB), Hayes Pullard (LB), Josh Shaw (CB), Su'a Cravens (SS), Andre Heidari (K), Kris Albarado (P)
Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian (0-0 all-time at USC, 34-29 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: Holiday Bowl vs. Nebraska (W)
4. Arizona State Sun Devils - 5-7 (3-6)
Last Year's Record: 10-4
Last Year's Bowl Game: Lost the Holiday Bowl to Texas Tech
Toughest Games: UCLA (September 25), @ USC (October 4), Stanford (October 18), @ Washington (October 25), Utah (November 1), Notre Dame (November 8), @ Oregon State (November 15), @ Arizona (November 28)
Key Players: Taylor Kelly (QB), D.J. Foster (RB), Jaelen Strong (WR), De'Marieya Nelson (TE), Vi Teofilo (RG), Christian Westerman (LG), Tyler Sulka (RT), Jamil Douglas (LT), Dalvon Stuckey (DL), Salamo Fiso (LB), DaMarious Randall (S), Zane Gonzalez (K), Matt Haack (P)
Head Coach: Todd Graham (18-9 all-time at Arizona State, 67-38 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
5. Utah Utes - 5-7 (3-6)
Last Year's Record: 5-7
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Fresno State (September 6), @ Michigan (September 20), @ UCLA (October 4), @ Oregon State (October 16), USC (October 25), @ Arizona State (November 1), Oregon (November 8), @ Stanford (November 15), Arizona (November 22)
Key Players: Travis Wilson (QB), Devontae Booker (RB), Dres Anderson (WR), Siaosi Aioni (C), Junior Salt (LG), Jeremiah Poutasi (LT), Nate Orchard (DE), Jared Norris (LB), Jason Whittingham (LB), Justin Thomas (LB), Davion Orphey (CB), Eric Rowe (CB), Andy Phillips (K), Tom Hackett (P), Geoff Norwood (PR)
Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham (75-39 all-time at Utah, 75-39 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
6. Colorado Buffaloes - 3-9 (0-9)
Last Year's Record: 4-8
Last Year's Bowl Game: No bowl game
Toughest Games: Arizona State (September 13), Oregon State (October 4), @ USC (October 18), UCLA (October 25), Washington (November 1), @ Arizona (November 8), @ Oregon (November 22), Utah (November 29)
Key Players: Sefo Liufau (QB), Christian Powell (RB), D.D. Goodson (WR), Nelson Spruce (WR), Sean Irwin (TE), Daniel Munyer (RG), Kaiwi Crabb (LG), Stephane Nembot (RT), Samson Kafovalu (DE), Juda Parker (DT), Josh Tupou (DT), Addison Gillam (LB), Woodson Greer (LB), Kenneth Crawley (CB), Greg Henderson (CB), Jered Bell (FS), Will Oliver (K), Darragh O'Neill (P)
Head Coach: Mike MacIntyre (4-8 all-time at Colorado, 20-29 all-time)
Bowl Prediction: No bowl game
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